Frei Brothers Dry Creek Valley Merlot 2021

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Frei Brothers
Label Name:
 
Dry Creek Valley Merlot
Vintage:
 
2021
Country:
 
United States
Region:
 
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
14.3%
Grape(s):
 
Merlot (primarily; may include small percentages of Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon)
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
3
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
3
Length:
 
3
Aroma Intensity:
 
3
Best Temperature:
 
15-18°C

Awards/Ratings
92 points — James Suckling (2021). 93 points — Wine Enthusiast (2021). Additional past mentions: 88 Wine Spectator (v2018)

Tasting Note
Ripe black cherry, blackberry and plum framed by dark chocolate, mocha and cinnamon spice; subtle dried herbs and a velvety, medium-bodied texture with attractively firm tannins and a smooth finish.

Food Pairing
Western: roasted chicken, grilled vegetables, beef stews, lamb chops, mushroom risotto, pasta with ragu, aged cheddar. Asian: char siu/BBQ pork, Korean BBQ (bulgogi), hoisin duck, beef rendang, mushroom-based stir-fries, mildly spiced Szechuan beef.

Production Method
Grapes are cold‑soaked, fermented (often co‑crushed with small amounts of Petite Sirah), undergo malolactic fermentation, aged on lees and finished in French and American oak (approx. 6–8 months).

Vineyard Info
Frei Brothers (Healdsburg, Sonoma County) is a long‑standing family producer sourcing from Dry Creek Valley vineyards to make regionally expressive reserve wines. Company history and Dry Creek sourcing emphasized on their site.