2022 Merlot

Merlot may be one of the wine world’s most underrated varieties—but in the right terroir, it's exceptional. 

THE PLACE
Pepper Bridge sits directly behind the winery on elevated terraces shaped by Ice Age floods—mineral-rich loess over deeper flood silts, with cooler air pulling down off the Blue Mountains. It gives Merlot clarity, pace, and a clean finish. Noteworthy: this is the last harvest from a small old-vine section removed the following year for a road expansion.

IN THE CELLAR

• Harvested Oct 4, cool morning pick
• Three-day cold soak; daily foot treading
• Native fermentation; open-top; punchdowns through pressing
• Five weeks on skins
• 24 months French oak on gross lees (half once-used, half neutral)
• No racking until bottling
• Bottled unfined and unfiltered
• 15 months bottle rest before release

TASTING NOTES
This Merlot lands right in the just-ripe zone: generous red fruit and black cherry up front, with enough lift to keep it moving. The palate has that satisfying, rounded feel Merlot does so well—without heaviness. As it opens, the spice turns warm and classic—sandalwood, with a faint cinnamon note—more old cellar than sweetness. Fine-grained, orderly tannins, a clean finish, and a quiet savory edge that keeps it grounded. Young now, but it keeps giving with air.

PAIRINGS
• Roast chicken or duck, pan juices
• Pork, mushrooms, thyme
• Lentils / farro with roasted roots
• A great burger

IN YOUR GLASS
Give it air and let it unfold—Merlot rewards patience.

Tech Sheet (PDF)