The dedication of the Trefethen family is manifest in every aspect
of their operation, from the soil to the table, including sustainable
farming, thoughtful winemaking, and gracious hospitality.
How It's Made | At Base Camp Wine, we're excited to share this exceptional Merlot with you. The story of this wine begins in the vineyard, where Mother Nature threw quite a few curveballs at our winemakers!
The growing season was a bit of a rollercoaster. It kicked off with an unusually wet dormant season, but April brought clear skies just in time for budbreak. May surprised everyone with cool, rainy weather, slowing down the vine growth. The summer was a back-and-forth between warmer and cooler than average temperatures, but luckily, it rarely got scorching hot (staying below 100°F most days).
September was the hero of the season - warm and sunny, providing the perfect conditions for the final stretch. All the grapes were safely harvested by mid-October, capturing the unique character of this topsy-turvy growing season.
What to Expect | When you pour a glass of this Merlot, get ready for a smooth and fresh experience. As you bring the glass to your nose, you'll pick up enticing aromas of ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, with a subtle hint of dark chocolate that adds a touch of sophistication.
Take a sip, and you'll discover how the flavors evolve on your palate. The initial red fruit notes give way to darker, richer flavors of black cherry and boysenberry. There's an intriguing layer of herbal notes that weaves through these fruit flavors, adding complexity and depth. The finish is long and juicy, inviting you back for another sip.
How to Enjoy It | This bright and elegant Merlot is a fantastic food wine. It's particularly well-suited to Italian cuisine and savory dishes. Here are some pairing suggestions to get you started:
1. Roasted chicken
2. Mushroom-based dishes
3. Anything with Parmesan cheese
For a real treat, try it with roasted mushrooms served with arugula and a potato-parsnip purée. This pairing, suggested by a winery chef, really brings out the best in both the food and the wine.
Serve this Merlot slightly cooler than room temperature, around 60-65°F (15-18°C), to fully appreciate its fresh and vibrant character.
By the way, this wine isn't just a hit with us - it earned a Silver medal at the 2022 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. So when you're sipping it, know you're enjoying an award-winning wine!
84% Merlot
11% Cabernet Sauvignon
5% Malbec
18 months in Oak, 46% new
14.1% ABV