Merlot Lake Effect 2023

This Merlot is full of big aromas - black cherries, roasted peppers, and cocoa nibs.  In the mouth, we find a pleasantly soft body, and a cornucopia of mixed berries and brown spice.  Despite the softer texture, there is plenty of tannin to give this wine ageability.  We also find a long, drawn out finish full of spice and vanilla notes.

Native American legend claims that the Finger Lakes were formed by the hands of the Great Spirit when they laid their hands on the land to bless it.  Today, these lakes create a special local climate, in what is known as the “lake effect,”  which takes place when winds blow over the lakes’ surface, picking up heat and water vapor that produce warm columns of air known as “thermals.”  This can cause increased snowfall around the lake, but it also creates an area of warmer temperatures along the shore - perfect for growing grapes in a colder climate!

Hand picked and hand sorted, these grapes were fermented at cool temperatures (76℉), partially in a large oak barrel and partially in a stainless steel tank - on skins for 18 days.  Press and free run were combined prior to aging in French Oak barrels for 18 months.

This is a wine that calls out for charcuterie. It will go down easily with a plate of cheeses, meats and nuts.  It could also hold up to sauce-laden barbeque - think brisket, ribs or smoked wings.