Clos LaChance Estate Meritage 2020

Clos LaChance Estate Meritage 2020

Winemaking Notes
Clos LaChance Estate Meritage comes from the premier reserve blocks on the Clos LaChance Estate Vineyard. The grapes are handpicked and hand sorted and then cold soaked for 48 to 72 hours to maximize tannin and color extraction. The must is inoculated and pumped over for 4 times a day during peak fermentation. The pump overs help to extract the tannins and color out of the skins and seeds to maximize complexity and structure in the wine.

The different varietals in the blend are kept separate for the first year of aging on oak, then blended and aged together for the remaining months to create a symbiotic relationship between all flavor and aromatic compounds. The wine is aged in French Oak and American Oak. The final blend is fine-tuned prior to bottling where different varietals can come together to create the final wine which embodies a perfect balance of characteristics.

Tasting Notes
Color: Dark Ruby and slightly to not opaque.
Aroma: Violet, Blackberry, Dried Herbs and Molasses.
Structure: Medium Tannins, Medium Acid, Medium to Heavy Bodied.
Flavors: Cola, Dried Cherries, Tea Leaf and Chocolate.
Pairings: Mushroom Risotto, Seared Ahi with Garlic Mashed Potatoes.

Technical Information
Vineyard: 100% Estate Vineyards
Blend: 58% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot
Aged: 16 months on 33% New French Oak, 67% Neutral French and American Oak
Alcohol%: 14.5%

Reviews

Wine Enthusiast – “Dark and focused aroma of blackberry and caramel are given a savory edge with hints of salt, pepper and dried beef on the nose of this impressive bottling. The palate is cohesive, showing well-integrated flavors of pepper, blackberry paste, light herbs and elegant purple flowers.” (93 Pts)