
Chappellet 2021 Merlot, Napa Valley 750ml
Chappellet 2021 Merlot, Napa Valley 750ml The Wine This supple and beautifully structured mountain-grown Merlot continues to remind wine lovers how delicious and age-worthy Merlot can be. It was aged for 22 months in French oak barrels (40% new), and was blended with the three other red Bordeaux varieties for added depth and complexity. Growing Season & Harvest The 2021 growing season began with one of the driest winters on record, followed by a mild spring and summer with no adverse heat events. Due to the lack of precipitation, canopy growth was limited and the vines produced very small berries and clusters. To ensure ideal ripening and flavor development we closely monitored vine water stress and applied a highly targeted irrigation strategy. While the drought yielded a small crop, the long, temperate growing season combined with ideal harvest weather produced dark and powerful wines with concentrated aromas and flavors, excellent structure and lush, mouthcoating tannins. Tastin