Vineyard Notes
The 2019 Messer comes from Estate block 3 and 5. These are as close to "flat" as our property gets, offering richer topsoil then our chalkier blocks. This gives a bit more nutrients for vigorous growth and ample canopy to ripen these thick skinned and rich tannic Bordeaux varietals. The 2019 vintage clearly demonstrates the ability of blended wines to shine as the ultimate expression of place. The cooler summer months spread out the ripening process of the grapes and supplied a wide range of flavors and textures. Intense heat in the late summer early fall accentuated this range in the vines and created a perfect palate for dialing in the perfect blend.
Winemaker Notes
The Cab Franc and Malbec were picked a couple weeks apart, thus fermented separately. Hand picked clusters were destemmed without crushing and transferred to 4 ton open top concrete tanks. A mix of pump over and delestage gently extracted the juice from the berries and the lots were pressed after 12-15 days on skins. The combined free run and press wine was allowed to settle for 48 hours then transferred to 40% new French oak barrels for 21 months of aging.
Production Notes
680 Cases