Winemaker Notes

2014 MERLOT - ESTATE
Blend: 100% Merlot, Tasting Room Block
Cases produced: 341
Retail Price: $35
Production: Stainless Steel Fermentation
Aging: 18 months, American oak

Mill Creek has been making Merlot from it's estate vineyards since 1976. The 2014 follows in the classic Mill Creek Estate style. This wine originates from the vineyard across the driveway from the Tasting Room in Southern Dry Creek Valley.  After harvest, the clusters are gently de-stemmed and then filled into stainless steel tanks. Preceding the fermentation is a 3-5 day cold soak. The must is then inoculated with yeast.  It is mixed 2-3 times per day to extract flavors, color, and tannin from the skins. After pressing, the new wine is filled into 33% new American oak barrels and aged for approximately 18 months.