{"product_id":"alexander-valley-vineyards-merlot-alexander-valley-2019-750ml","title":"Alexander Valley Vineyards Merlot Alexander Valley 2022 750ml","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"full-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMerlot from the Wetzel Family Estate has a reputation for being a big, complex wine. First produced in 1984, this has been a classically structured wine each year, often showing as much tannin as many Cabernet Sauvignons. 2022 kicked off with a lack of rain from the ongoing drought, followed by a warm spring, and early summer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRelatively mild summer temperatures allowed the grapes to mature evenly, although yields were a bit lighter than in prior vintages. Much like 2021, harvest began in early September, but ended on October 12th. 2022’s longer hang time allowed the fruit to develop rich flavors while maintaining balanced acidity. We prune our Merlot vines heavily and drop fruit several times during the growing season, so the remaining clusters ripen evenly. Winemaker Kevin Hall has found that fermenting Merlot at a slightly lower temperature than some of our other Bordeaux varieties maintains the lush flavors and structure. After fermentation, the wine was cave aged for 17 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2022 includes a touch of Malbec accentuating our Merlot’s dark berry flavors, as well as Cabernet Sauvignon for additional complexity and layers of flavor. This wine surprises many red wine lovers with its big flavors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are spicy aromas of black cherry, plum, boysenberry, cassis, vanilla and oak in the glass. Our 2022 Merlot is powerful, full bodied wine with rich flavors of black cherry, plum, cassis and slight chocolate. This well-structured Merlot has beautiful balance and a long, textured finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePairing Suggestions: The fruit and structure of this wine pairs with a variety of big flavors. A family favorite is Beef Stroganoff. Classic pairings include lamb chops, duck, prime rib and filet. For a cold weather treat, try a glass with Mushroom Bisque\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccolades\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2022: 92 points - James Suckling\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2022: 91 points - Decanter World Wine Awards\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Alexander Valley Vineyards","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42975511183584,"sku":"100239","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0649\/9713\/0464\/products\/alexander-valley-vineyards-merlot-alexander-valley.jpg?v=1663882745","url":"https:\/\/www.mywineconnection.com\/products\/alexander-valley-vineyards-merlot-alexander-valley-2019-750ml","provider":"My Wine Connection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}