Winemaker Notes

This single vineyard Merlot from PineBrake Vineyard in the Rattlesnake Hills AVA is sensational. Deep ruby-purple color and a complex bouquet of black cherry, blackberry, crushed stones, red plum, lead pencil, and gravel. On the palate there is a great combination of vibrancy, suppleness, and texture. There are notes of red plum, black raspberry, cassis, aged cigar tobacco, nutmeg, sage, leather, incense, and anisse.The substantial fruit is balanced by the crisp acidity and an underlying silky tannic structure. The long length finishes with precise tones of black cherry, dried herbs, and rose petal. Properly cellared, this wine should hit maturity in about 9-10 years and hold for 10+ years.

Technical Details

The wine had a pre-fermentation maceration of 137 hours. 100% native fermentation. The wine was punched down by hand 2 times each day during maceration and fermentation. All individual wine components, including free run and press fractions, were kept separate until final blending. Elevage was 24 months in 20% new French oak and 80% neutral French oak. No fining agents were employed. The wine was very gently filtered using crossflow filtration.

Reviews

96 Points - Radiating a luminous medium ruby core with a delicate blush-hued rim, the 2022 En Passant Merlot is both vibrant and expressive. The nose bursts with aromas of wild strawberries, ripe huckleberries, fresh-turned soil, dried sage, and toasted hazelnuts, creating a captivating aromatic profile. On the palate, juicy red plums and macerated raspberries intertwine with hints of lemon thyme and a subtle touch of black tea. The wine’s acidity is lively yet balanced, while the fine-grained tannins lend structure without overwhelming its silky texture. The finish is graceful and extended, revealing whispers of crushed stone and spiced cedar. Highly recommended. 2025-2035 Jeremy Young, International Wine Report

Cases Produced: 161