SUMMER’S COMING AND IT’S TIME TO MAKE PLANS TO VISIT MERRYVALE!
We’re so happy to hear all the positive feedback from our digital newsletter! With this Summer Issue we’re excited to announce our first Wine Club party of 2022, introduce our new Tasting Room Manager Cante Swearingen and share some ‘organic’ news from the Profile Estate Vineyard. As always, we invite you to send us ideas for topics you would find interesting. Please contact us at WineClub@Merryvale.com.
JOIN US FOR VINO & PIZZA ON MAY 22nd
Come behind the scenes in the Merryvale cellar and enjoy new releases of Merryvale and Starmont wines paired with wood-fired pizza. Club members can arrange to pick up their wine shipment at this event with advance notice. This popular and delicious event will sell out quickly, reserve your tickets today! Click here to make your reservations.
FROM THE TASTING ROOM: WELCOME CANTE SWEARINGEN AND CONGRATULATIONS ALISON CAPPS
We are delighted to introduce Cante Swearingen, Merryvale’s new Tasting Room Manager! Cante is as local as it gets! He was born and raised in St. Helena and has worked in every part of the wine industry, from vineyards and winemaking to hospitality. Cante loves all wines, but if he had to pick a favorite, it would be Cabernet Franc. As far as the perfect wine and food pairing, Cante would opt for a medium-rare Rib Eye steak alongside a nice big Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Profile?!) When Cante is not sharing his passion for wine with our guests, you can find him on the Bocce Courts with his team, “The Hone Dogs”, one of the winningest teams in the St. Helena Bocce League. We hope you will get a chance to meet Cante on your next visit to Merryvale!
We’re also thrilled to announce that Wine Educator Alison Capps has been promoted to Assistant Tasting Room Manager! Alison has been a part of our team for the past three years and has demonstrated outstanding customer service, wine knowledge and become a favorite of customers and staff alike! Be sure to give Alison a quick ‘high five’ next time you’re in the Tasting Room!
IN GREAT WINEMAKING, THERE ARE SHEEP?!
We had an occasion to catch up with Winemaker Andrew Wright at Profile Estate Vineyard where we learned about some recent guests that had a big impact on our sustainability efforts… check out this short video from a windy day in late April:
At Profile Estate, we farm organically and believe the best practice is to create a holistic ecosystem in the vineyard. To that end, we don’t use any synthetic chemicals, such as fertilizers or pesticides. All of these efforts plus the resident wildlife, a.k.a. integrated pest management, and visiting sheep provide an opportunity for some “baaaadass” winemaking!
AND WHILE WE’RE ON THE SUBJECT…
Winemaker Andrew Wright shows us what’s going on in the Profile Estate Vineyard following budbreak as the vines begin their growth into a new vintage and we do our best to get the most out of each vine.
CONSIDER A PICNIC LUNCH AT PROFILE ESTATE ON YOUR NEXT VISIT
Our Profile Estate Picnic is the ultimate wine and food experience for your group of two to eight people. Your Merryvale host will meet you at our Profile Estate Vineyard, located on a picturesque ridge 800 feet above the valley floor, just a short 15-minute drive from our winery in downtown St. Helena. Guests will choose from a selection of lunch options to enjoy on our Estate Vineyard deck while taking in views of the surrounding vineyards. Over lunch, your host will present our Silhouette Chardonnay and a vertical selection of Profile followed by a guided vineyard walking tour. We look forward to sharing our beautiful Estate Vineyard with you. Make your reservation via Cellar Pass by clicking here! For more details, please call (707) 963-7777 or email our Tasting Room team for assistance.
IN THIS SHIPMENT…
YOUR SUMMER WINE CLUB RELEASES
Your membership wine preferences determine which of these wines you will receive.
2019 Chardonnay, Hyde Vineyard, Carneros
Sourced from the acclaimed Hyde Vineyard in Carneros, the unique mix of Wente and Musque clones highlight the site, offering body and aromatics alongside classic Carneros acidity.
Food Pairing: Enjoy this Chardonnay with Garlic Grilled Shrimp.
Ageability: Enjoy for 5+ years from vintage date.
2019 Pinot Noir, Brown Ranch, Carneros
The fruit for this single vineyard bottling of Pinot Noir came from Brown Ranch on the Napa side of Carneros. A Pinot Noir for those who love the classic Carneros New World style from one of the great Carneros Pinot vineyards.
Food Pairing: Our Brown Ranch Pinot Noir will pair well with Roasted Pork Tenderloin with fennel.
Ageability: This wine will evolve and delight over the next 10 years.
2019 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
A stunning blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, sourced from our Profile Estate Vineyard. Classic Cabernet aromas of savory red fruits, currants dried herbs and sandalwood draw you in.
Food Pairing: Pair this delicious Napa Cab with a butterflied leg of lamb or a lamb steak with rosemary.
Ageability: With proper cellaring, this wine will drink beautifully for the next 10+ years.
2016 Chairman’s Selection Red Wine, Napa Valley
The Chairman’s Selection showcases mountain vineyards and the incredible character that they produce—wines with intensity and power. We look for depth and structure that is worthy of this special bottling.
Food Pairing: Enjoy this Chairman’s Selection with Red Wine Braised Venison Cheeks.
Ageability: With proper cellaring, this wine will drink beautifully for the next 15-20 years.
2017 Cabernet Franc, Napa Valley
We are privileged to work with some of the best Cabernet Franc fruit in Napa Valley. Ours is a refined, exceptional expression of New World Cabernet Franc with alluring aromatics and dark fruit flavors.
Food Pairing: Pair this Cabernet Franc with Grilled Sausages with Polenta and Tapenade.
Ageability: With proper cellaring, this wine will age beautifully for 10+ years.
2016 Oakville Grade Red Wine, Napa Valley
An alluring, classic example of everything that is great about Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of cassis and herbs intrigue the nose, leading into a luxurious wine that is velvety on the palate.
Food Pairing: Enjoy this Cabernet-based red wine with Asian BBQ Lamb Ribs.
Ageability: With proper cellaring, this wine will command your attention for the next 20+ years.
User Choice Wines:
Solstice Brut Rosé Sparkling Wine
Sourced from the Napa Side of the Carneros AVA, primarily from our Stanly Ranch Estate Vineyard, this is our first ever Brut Rosé release.
2019 Chardonnay, Carneros
Sourced from some of the best Chardonnay vineyards in Carneros, including our own Stanly Ranch Estate.
2018 Merlot, Napa Valley
Our Merlot is an occasion to showcase some of the best cool climate terroirs of Napa Valley.
2018 Petit Verdot, Napa Valley
An aromatically explosive wine, this unique bottling reflects all the power and expressiveness characteristic of Petit Verdot.
2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Saint Helena
Explosive and elegant, the 2016 Saint Helena Cabernet embodies the best characteristics of this stellar vintage.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Our Music on the Terrace events start on Friday, May 20th… Make plans to join us for our Annual Lobster Feed in early August. You can get your tickets to our Harvest Party, Profile Collection Release & Harvest Brunch and find more information about all our events here!
SPECIAL NOTICE: There are still cabins available on the first ever MERRYVALE 2022 RIVER CRUISE through Burgundy and Provence. Click here for details! Call Barb Kalemba, Reservation Manager, at 303.339.0660 to join the fun.
Special Savings on Club Shipment Wines
Don’t forget to take advantage of your discount on case purchases of this shipment’s featured wines through the end of August. Click here to choose your favorites!
Remember to Refer A Friend to our Wine Club… And reap the benefits of our “Merry Messenger” Program! Click here for the details!
Until next time,
The Merryvale Family
