2021 Pedestal Merlot

Michel Rolland, Pomerol vintner and consultant to many of the world's top wineries, provided the vision for this limited release wine.

Spring arrived early in 2014, warm and dry, setting the stage for another hot summer. Temperatures were consistently warm throughout June and July without any notable heat spikes. Then in September, a pattern of warm fall days and cool autumn nights took hold, allowing grapes to reach full physiological maturity while preserving the fruits’ natural acidity. In short, 2014 was a picture-perfect vintage that produced remarkably rich, flavorful wines.

Hand-harvested grapes were double-sorted before fermentation to remove any stems or jacks that might impart harsh tannins, then the majority of the lots were cold soaked to build richness and flavor before undergoing whole-berry fermentation in 1,500 gallon upright French wood tanks. This, combined with gentle pump-overs throughout fermentation, enhanced the wine’s color and helped to provide richness on the palate. The finished wine was aged 22 months in French oak barrels, 85% new.