Lava Cap Estate Bottled Merlot 2022, Sierra Foothiulls, El Dorado, California

Founded in 1981, Lava Cap Winery is a third generation family farm, located in the Sierra Nevada Foothills, at an elevation of 2,700ft. The winery and Estate vineyards are located on a unique outcropping of volcanic soil, the inspiration for the wineries name. The result of elevation and distinct soils are wines that erupt with flavor. “Merlot is planted in a low-lying draw that has accumulated fine loamy soils suitable for premium Merlot. The soil is derived from decomposed lahar flows that occurred between 4-10 million years ago, creating a young volcanic soil that allows for the development of Founded in 1981, Lava Cap Winery is a third-generation family farm, located in the Sierra Nevada Foothills, at an elevation of 2,700ft. The winery and Estate vineyards are located on a unique outcropping of volcanic soil, the inspiration for the wineries name. The result of elevation and distinct soils are wines that erupt with flavor. 2022 Vintage Tasting notes: Dark fruit dominates the nose. One of our darkest red wines, flavors of plum, blackberry jam, clove, cedar, and menthol are on nose. On the palate, a smooth finish, framed by well-integrated tannins, and bright acidity. Vineyard notes: Our Estate Merlot comes from head-trained vines planted in 1986, on a gentle north facing slope. These old vines produce balanced, elegant merlot, with ample concentration and tremendous depth. Winemaker notes: A blend of two blocks, one which provides freshness and the other concentration and depth, this wine is always the first of the Bordeaux grapes to be harvested. After being hand-picked, the grapes were sorted and destemmed before being moved into a stainless steel tank for fermentation. After a 3 days cold soak, the grapes were fermented at moderate temperatures for 12 days. Press juice and free run were combined for settling and aging in 100% French oak barrels for 15 months. The wine was racked once after ML and once for blending and bottling.