Trig Point Diamond Dust Vineyard Merlot 2015
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A "trig" has been used for many years to establish boundary lines. Trigonometrical stations were set on the top of hills and used as surveying sites. Just as winemaker Nick Goldschmidt's father was a land surveyor and used these trigs as a reference, so does he when it comes to well known vineyard sites.
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The wines Nick and Yolyn Goldschmidt produce are all single vineyard, handcrafted, small production, artisan wines.
The Trig Point Vineyard sits on a bench land site in the Alexander Valley facing southeast in beautiful bowl. This unique topography protects the vineyard from the wind. The early morning fog and deep gravelly loam soils are ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon. Nick has worked with this vineyard many years, as it was the predominate vineyard for the Simi Cabernet Reserve program from 1980 - 1997. Indeed, one of the great uncompromising vineyards of the Alexander Valley and certainly a "trig point" for growing classy Bordeaux varietals.
With generous fruit and supple tannins, Merlot is made in a range of styles from everyday-drinking to world-renowned and age-worthy. Merlot is the dominant variety in the wines from Bordeaux’s Right Bank regions of St. Emilion and Pomerol, where it is often blended with Cabernet Franc to spectacular result. Merlot also frequently shines on its own, particularly in California’s Napa Valley. Somm Secret—As much as Miles derided the variety in the 2004 film, Sideways, his prized 1961 Château Cheval Blanc is actually a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
Nearly a northern extension of Napa Valley, Alexander Valley starts just north of the small, Knights Valley, and is just a few minutes drive from the Napa town of Calistoga. It is Sonoma County’s hottest AVA. But the Russian River, which runs through the valley, creates cooler pockets and its soft, alluvial soil is ideal for grape growing, especially Cabernet Sauvignon. In fact, some believe that Alexander Valley Cabernets truly rival the best from Napa Valley and many of the heavy-hitter producers have largely invested here.
In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, which makes up over 50% of plantings, Merlot and old vine Zinfandel thrive here. Ample, fleshy Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc dominate white wine production. Some old-vine plantings of Grenache have also been discovered and more recent experiments with Sangiovese and Barbera show great promise.