2016 Righteous
Merlot
American - American
$27.99 / 750 mL Bottle
- Alcohol 15%
- Bottling Date April 2018
Our 2016 Righteous is a wine that was produced with the Right Bank Bordeaux style in mind. This wine has been blended to highlight the best of two varietals and showcases the rich elegance of two signature California vineyards
The Merlot grapes were chosen from the Hanson Ridge Vineyard in Lake County, while the Cabernet Franc that was blended in was grown in the Sierra Foothills. Each of these vineyards are expertly farmed using Bordeaux practices. Bill Thompson further accentuated our homage to the Right Bank by using old world European techniques in the cellar.
The grapes were only destemmed. The whole berries were bin fermented separately in small lots at cool temperatures. This method creates a longer fermentation that accentuated the fruit flavors, while adding complexity. To avoid extraction of harsh tannins, no pumps were used until after the wine was pressed off the skins. The bins were hand punched daily and gently stirred.
2016 Wandering Cellars Righteous is a bold wine that highlights the combination of gripping aromas of dark berries, showing subtle undertones of tobacco leaf.
This wine opens more fruit-forward of blackberries, black cherry, raspberry and its tannin is more prevalent. Hints of tobacco, vanilla and mocha are present and with less acidity you’ll find this wine pairs well with many foods. It has the balance to age gracefully for a decade.
Decanting the wine prior to drinking is recommended.
The blend is composed of 66% Merlot and 34% Cabernet Franc.
Maker Name
Bill Thompson
Vineyard/Orchard Name
Hanson Ridge Vineyard Lake County