Fog Mountain, Merlot
Vintage: 2021
| Vintage | Product Code | Format | Closure | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | FM201A21 | 12 x 75 | Natural Cork | Contact Us |
Producer
Fog Mountain pays homage to the mountain ranges and their cooling fogs, which have a considerable influence on Californian viticulture. These mountains offer unique climatic conditions and varied soils on which to plant vines. At the same time, the fogs create the ideal microclimate, prolonging the growing season and allowing the grapes to ripen fully. All the fruit for these wines is sourced exclusively from sustainably farmed vineyards throughout California, predominantly on the North Coast.
The wines are aged for six months in stainless steel tanks to preserve the fresh primary fruit aromas, with a small proportion of the wine aged in neutral French oak barrels to round out the tannins and add a hint of spice. The Merlot is juicy and approachable with aromas of baked plums, black cherry and violets, supported by supple tannins. The Cabernet Sauvignon, which includes a small amount of Petit Verdot and Merlot, presents vibrant flavours of redcurrants, dried plums, and a hint of spice, with well-structured tannins and a polished finish.
Vineyards
Grapes for this wine are selected predominantly from vineyards across California’s North Coast. The mountain slopes offer unique soils and a climate ideally suited for responsible, sustainable agriculture. The fog cools the vineyards, preserving fresh acidity in the grapes and lengthening the ripening period for the development of layered aromatics.
Vintage
The 2021 vintage came after a cold, relatively dry winter, the exception being a heavy storm in late January. The cold, dry winter produced a fruit set with smaller bunches and berries. Yields were also down about 25% compared to the average. The growing season was ideal, with each hot spell of weather followed by a cool period that allowed the vines to recover. This combined with the low yields to produce excellent fruit intensity shows all the hallmarks of an exceptional vintage.
Vinification
The grapes underwent a 48-hour cold soak. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks followed by 10-15 days on skins, which resulted in further structure and tannins. The wine was predominantly aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve the fresh, primary fruit aromas. Around 5% was aged in neutral French oak barrels for 12-14 months before bottling, to round out the tannins.
Tasting Notes & Technical Details
This has lifted aromas of black cherry and spice on the nose. Flavours of strawberry and clove with earthy notes are complemented by a touch of violet. The palate is medium-bodied with soft, round tannins.
Alcohol (ABV)
14.5%
Acidity
6.01 g/l
Residual Sugar
3.15 g/l
pH
3.56
Other wines from this producer
Producer | Wine | Product Code | Features | Style | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fog Mountain | Cabernet Sauvignon | FM202 | R | Factsheet |