Frei Brothers Dry Creek Valley Merlot 2018

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Frei Brothers
Label Name:
 
Dry Creek Valley Merlot
Vintage:
 
2018
Country:
 
United States
Region:
 
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
14.3%
Grape(s):
 
Merlot (may include small % Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon)
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
3
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
3
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
Wine Spectator 88 pts (2018); Wine Enthusiast 86 pts (2018); Wine Review Online score 94 (review 2021); Platinum — Critics Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition (2021)

Tasting Note
Ripe black cherry, plum and red currant with hints of dried herbs, cinnamon, milk chocolate and toasted oak. Medium-plus body, plush texture, fresh acidity and supple tannins with a lingering spice-tinged finish.

Food Pairing
Western: roasted chicken, grilled vegetables, mushroom risotto, pork tenderloin, beef short ribs. Asian: Korean BBQ, teriyaki chicken, char siu (barbecue pork), Peking duck, mildly spicy Sichuan pork.

Production Method
Cold soak, partial whole-berry fermentation, completed malolactic fermentation; aged ~6–12 months in a mix of French and American oak barrels to soften texture and add spice/vanilla notes.

Vineyard Info
Frei Brothers (Healdsburg) dates to Andrew Frei (est. 1890); now part of Gallo family holdings. Sources vineyards across Dry Creek Valley; focuses on traditional winemaking with long-standing grower relationships.