Merriman Estate
Since the first vintage in 2006, Merriman Wines has been working to produce exceptional Oregon wines. The winery is named after owner Mike Merriman, a Texas native with a passion for Oregon and the world-class Pinot Noir produced there.
The vineyard was planted in 1999 on an east facing ridge, entirely to Pinot Noir. The vines are not irrigated, encouraging the roots to grow deeper into the ground in search of water. The clones planted are the Dijon 113,114,115,667, and 777, as well as Wadenswil and Pommard. We use only sustainable viticultural practices, and the Merriman Vineyard received LIVE and Salmon Safe certification in 2008. We crop the grapes in many blocks to just one cluster per shoot, ensuring ripeness and flavor development. Yields on top of the ridge can be as little as one ton per acre or even less in some years. It is that fruit which goes into the Merriman blend. The Cummins Road is a blend of some of the Dijon clone blocks, chosen to highlight the bright Pinot fruit from the vineyard hillside.
The dry farmed, east facing vineyard slope allows the cool breezes at night and warm morning sun to grow the grapes slowly, giving the wine its complexity and allowing the unique terroir of the vineyard to come through in your glass.
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DAOU Vineyards Soul of a Lion is made from 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot .
The 2020 vintage presents an alluring profusion of black cherry, mulberry and Oregon blackberry aromas with notes of leather, cigar box and dark chocolate. Hints of desert sage and crème de menthe accent the rich fruit. The palate is silky and voluptuous, delivering loads of currant, cassis, black raspberry and ripe cherry. Notes of fig and baking spice are underscored by earthy tones of dates and truffle. Mature, ripe tannins yield a weighty, velvety texture integrated with a limestone minerality and subtle oak. A lengthy finish leaves lingering impressions of blackberry, plum and espresso with a touch of white pepper. A wine of immense staying power that will evolve favorably for many years to come.
Review:
Impressively dark in the glass, this bottling pairs intense purple fruit and flower on this nose with more roasted, umami-laden aromas. The elegant palate is a master class in tannin management, proving firm in structure yet soft in mouthfeel. Flavors of blackberry jam, cocoa, walnut and cracked pepper ride a lingering acidity into the finish.
-Wine Enthusiast 97 Points
GRAPE
100% Nebbiolo
VINEYARD
Serra Capelli and San Cristoforo hills
POSITION
Hillside
EXPOSURE
Southwest
COLOR
Garnet red
NOSE
Its bouquet is fruity with reminiscences of violets and raspberries
TASTE
Full, fascinating and intense taste with a good body.
TEMPERATURE
Ideal serving temperature is 16°- 18°C. Do not expose to abrupt changes in temperature. Its fragrance and scents are highlighted if put into a crystal decanter and then poured into crystal stemware with a large bowl. Swirl it around the glass to finally taste and appreciate it
ALCOHOL
13.5 - 14 %