2019 Sei Querce Miller’s Orchard Merlot Alexander Valley

This is not wimpy Merlot. This is not the Merlot that was ridiculed in Sideways, the movie. If you recall, at the end of the move the star is drinking Petrus - a 100% Merlot wine, at a burger joint. I've said it many times and it's worth repeating: Merlot is the best value you can find in both Napa and Sonoma. Why? Precisely, because other people are reading the headlines and running to Cab. This wine is a home run and if you had a chance to taste any of the Sei Querce wines, you already know this is a fantastic producer making eyebrow raising wines worthy of your attention.

Sei Querce Vineyards is a family-owned winery nestled in the picturesque Alexander Valley, (same Valley that has seen the birth and rise of top wineries like Jordan, Silver Oak, and Lancaster). After spending 22 years at Goldman Sachs and running a bond exchange, Hal Hinkle retired to the quiet farming life. He has been a lifelong environmentalist and as a result the vineyard is certified organic, sustainable, and bee-friendly. In addition, Hal helped create a new standard for vineyards called "climate-adapted" which aims to reduce greenhouse gases over time.

The thirty acre vineyard has been a prized source of world-class grapesto some of the top wineries in the area, including Aperture, Silver Oak, Lambert Bridge, Jordan, Fisher, Coppola, and Duckhorn.

The vineyard is planted on the old Ellis Ranch down the road from Silver Oak and overlooking the town of Geyserville and is located east of Geyserville toward the Mayacamas mountains. Just over the ridge and down the hill is Calistoga. This wine with a "Napa Valley" AVA from mountain fruit would sell for over $150.

The Ellis Ranch was operated as a stock and fruit producer shortly after Leadner G. Ellis paid $1000 in gold coins to buy it in 1868. Reports say that well before 1890, he had established 25 acres of pears, prunes, and grapes, and was grazing sheep and raising hogs.

After realizing his goal to upgrade the vineyard and cellar, Hal hired the best winemaker he could find. Jesse Katz is a seasoned winemaker with experience at prestigious estates like Chateau Petrus, Vina Cobos, and Screaming Eagle. Jesse discovered Sei Quernce vineyards while purchasing fruit for his acclaimed Aperture Malbec. Jesse was impressed by the potential of the site and was hired to guide the replanting of the vineyard and craft exceptional wines (vintages 2014-2018). His contributions led to global acclaim, and he now owns Aperture Cellars, producing consistently high-rated wines ranging from 98-100 points. These wines sell for much more moola.

As a result of pandemic closures and limited distribution channels outside of the winery, Big Hammer Wines was able to take a large position on this special wine and hammer down the price. 

Farming: Organic, sustainable
Aging: 100% French oak, 50% new

100% Merlot. An elegant, bright, old-California-reminiscent Merlot, which opens with aromas of raspberries, cherries and pomegranate, allied to warm hint of allspice that lends the wine some depth and complexity. This wine can be enjoyed young for all of its fruit, but it certainly has the power to age. The finish is juicy, with a lovely balance between acidity and tannins.

NYR

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