Pedroncelli Benchlands Merlot

Bench Vineyards The source for our Bench Vineyards Merlot comes from selected blocks off of our vineyard located along Dry Creek Road combined with a small amount of fruit from one other grower a short distance from ours. Bench Vineyards the name chosen for this wine describes the natural terraces that flank Dry Creek Valley and rise gradually into the steep hills. Characterized by sloped topography and gravelly/rocky residual soils the unique growing conditions combine to bring out the best in our Merlot. Winemaker Notes Grapes were harvested the second week of September following a great growing season with warm to hot temperatures. The vintage shows intense phenolics and mild acids resulting in a very structured wine with smooth texture. The grapes were crushed into temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. Daily pumpovers during the fermentation gives a substantial increase in flavor and color. The young wine was transferred to small American oak barrels to age for 12 mon