From the same vineyard as our Switchback Cabernet, these 35-year-old Merlot vines produces a profound wine – depth, richness and that silken texture that only Merlot can achieve. Aromas of dark berries and herbs lead to a palate of plush texture and complex layers of plum, black cherry and baking spice flavors. A luxurious mouthful that is perfectly balanced with fine tannin and brightness.
2024 SWITCHBACK RIDGE VINEYARD MERLOT
TASTING NOTES
SWITCHBACK RIDGE VINEYARD
Kelly Peterson is at the helm, steering her family’s legacy into its 111th harvest on their property. For over a decade, we’ve courted these grapes, asking our friend Kelly for the opportunity to someday make Cabernet from her family’s singular site. We were fortunate to get our first fruit in 2021. And in 2022 was able to begin getting small amounts of Petite Sirah from a classic head-trained block planted by Kelly’s dad in 1956.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Appellation | Calistoga |
| Blend | 100% Merlot |
| Barrel Aging | 18 months in 60% new French Oak |
| Clones | 3 |
| Rootstocks | 110R |
| Soils | Gravelly volcanics |
| Vineyard Manager | Matt Hardin |
| Winemaker | Tom Garrett |
| Production | 100 cases, 4 barrels |