WOW: "Merlo's" Making Pinot?!

WOW: Wine of the Week

"Merlo's" Making Pinot?!

Okay, my Californian experts - have you ever visited Hyampom Valley?  Hyampom Valley is a remote river valley hidden amongst the inter-coastal mountains of Southern Trinity County in Northern California.

Here, in Hyampom Valley reside the Merlo Family,   located along the banks of the wild and scenic South Fork of the Trinity River and at the base of South Fork Mountain, the longest contiguous ridge in the continental United States.
"Merlo Family Vineyards was founded on the concept that quality wine is grown in the vineyard. 'We are committed to making wines that are true expressions of the varietal fruit from which they are made,' says Ray Merlo. The unique growing season of the Hyampom Valley produces exceptional fruit with a high natural acidity resulting in very structured wines with deep, elegant, and yet, fresh, fruit flavors. A minimalist approach is taken in the wine cellar, allowing the wines to clearly reflect the varietal character and distinct terroir of Hyampom Valley. The Merlo's believe that the only way to truly make great wine is to grow great fruit." - Winery Notes

Product Description

"The Merlo Family Vineyards are located on the riverbanks of the South Fork of the Trinity River. Surrounded by 8,000 mountains, the vineyards are higher than most California vineyards, at an elevation of 1,250 feet. The valley floor has alluvial soils which allow excellent drainage and produce elegant yet complex flavors in the fruit. The surrounding hillside soils are shallow na#ve clay which create bold, well-structured wines. The late growing season allows for slower ripening and longer hang time, resulting in full, concentrated flavors." - Winery Notes

Merlo Family Pinot Noir 2011 Tasting Notes

"Dark, rich, garnet color and aromas of Bing cherries and lilacs. The palate presents fruit flavors of concentrated red currants and simpler fresh plums, and are well-integrated with the balanced influence of subtle new oak and minerals." - Winemaker Notes

Merlo Family Pinot Noir 2011 Pairings

The 2010 Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with roasted hen, farm-crafted cheeses, or grilled salmon.