Sandstone Merlot 2019, Wente Vineyards, Livermore Valley

Our 2020 Sandstone Merlot carries itself with a measure of composure and finesse that promises plenty of appeal. (enerous aromas of black cherry and plum are tempered by layers of cinnamon, nutmeg and an oak sweetness. 8onderfully supple and balanced, this wine has fine tannins and a rich palatethat allows it to achieve a long lasting, fruity depth and creamy complexity.

Wente Vineyards is the oldest continuously-operated, family-owned winery in the country. The wines are 100% estate grown and sustainably farmed in the Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay and Arroyo Seco, Monterey appellations. The winery is owned and managed by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family, who is recognized for their influence in making Chardonnay the best-selling varietal in the country, based on numerous accomplishments over the past 130 years. The development of the Wente clone spread to thousands of vineyards across California and the winery was the first to introduce a varietally-labeled California Chardonnay. The Wente family is proud to be recognized as “California’s First Family of Chardonnay.”

Each variety was fermented separately in upright stainless steel fermenters and
pumped over 2-3 times daily. The wine was pressed on the skins after -12 days.