Wine: ‘Estate Grown Sandstone’ Merlot
nProducer: Wente Family Estates
nCountry: USA
nRegion: California / Livermore Valley
nVintage: 2016
nStyle: White
nBlend: Merlot 78%, Petite Sirah 15%, Malbec 7%
nABV: 13.5%
nSize: 75cl
nVegan
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nNotes: The Sandstone Merlot from Wente is a great display of a Bordeaux style from grapes from hillside & valley floor vineyards, each of which gives distinct aromatics & structure to the wine. The estate-grown & certified sustainable vineyards that make up this wine are harvested, fermented & aged separately in barrel. Beautiful aromas of fruit-forward spiced cherry with a focus on dark fruit such as blueberry or boysenberry. A smooth mouthfeel, bright acidity & inviting tannins are balanced by a clean & dry finish.
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nProducer Info: Founded in 1883, Wente Vineyards is the oldest continuously operated, family-owned winery in America. Today the estate is comprised of vineyards in the Livermore Valley, San Francisco & Arroyo Seco appellations & is operated by the fourth & fifth generations of the family. 5th Generation winegrower Karl D. Wente has continued the family’s legacy with the Wente clone by using it to produce four different styles of Chardonnay including our personal favourite; Morning Fog Chardonnay. Today, an incredible 80% of all Californian Chardonnay stems from this original clone.
nWente ‘estate grown wines’ are named after the unique growing conditions of the estate vineyards from which they are sourced. These wines include Morning Fog Chardonnay, Sandstone Merlot & Riverbank Riesling. ‘Single vineyard wines’ are grown in specific vineyard blocks which are named after the pioneers who were closely involved in the history of the company’s winemaking tradition. They include Riva Ranch Chardonnay, Riva Ranch Pinot Noir & Charles Wetmore Cabernet Sauvignon.

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