2022 Merlot – Bolen Vineyard

A serious Merlot leading with red fruit aromas, integrated oaky/cedar notes, and showing tertiaries of leather, tobacco, walnut oil, with dried lavender and black pepper. The palate is well-structured and intense in its youth, sure to express a richer texture over time in bottle.

Fermented in large format oak fermenter for 12 days. Aged for 14 months in 100% neutral oak barrels.

Pair with roast duck and other game, especially in a dish with cheese or a cream component.

Rowdy and Tameisha Bolen planted 5 acres of Merlot, Mourvedre and Malbec in 2011 and 2012 in Smyer, Texas, just west of Lubbock. The soil is similar to surrounding Terry County vineyards - fine, sandy, and situated over limestone bedrock, which moderates the amount of water the vines have access to. Age of Vines: 10-11 years. Soil Type: Amarillo fine sandy loam over limestone. Elevation: 3,300 ft.