Elysian Merlot, 2016

A bouncy Californian Merlot, packed with plums and blackcurrants and perfumed with toasty oak and vanilla. A restrained style with soft tannins.

Meet the maker: Bonterra Organic Vineyards

Region: Mendocino, California – USA

Grape(s): Merlot (100%)

13.5% ABV / 750ml / Vegetarian / Organic

Viticulture:

Bonterra admirably focuses on organic and sustainable agriculture. It epitomises wines that are perfectly in tune with nature.

They plant native flowers around their grapes to attract beneficial bugs, and to attract songbirds and chickens into their vineyards to eat up pests. They even employ sheep to mow between the vines.

Their approach to viticulture is that every living thing is connected, and they strive to work with nature to create pure, flavourful wine.

Winemaking:

Parcels of Merlot were fermented separately and underwent full malolactic fermentation before being combined to create the final blend.

The wine was aged for 12 months in 45% new oak and 55% old oak.