Inspiration Vineyards Merlot Vertical

2020 Inspiration Merlot, Weiler Vineyard, Sonoma Valley

Our second vintage from the Weiler vineyard, we and the primary grape purchaser made the decision to harvest this fruit about fifteen days earlier than would have been optimal to avoid any smoke contact. The Glass Fire had just started in Napa County, and the forecast was showing that the prevailing wind would change, pushing smoke southward into Sonoma Valley. As a result, we moved our harvest date up and were able to get the grapes into the winery before smoke impacted the area.

You’ll find this to be a classic representation of the Merlot grape, showing aromatics of cocoa, rubbed sage and dark chocolate, while on the palate, black cherry, tea and red plumb with a silky-smooth finish. This wine is best now and will hold for another 3 years.

Specs

• Vintage: 2020
• Varietal: 100% Merlot
• AVA: Sonoma Valley – Sonoma County
• Vineyard: Weiler Vineyard
• Barrel Program: 16 months aged in medium toast French oak, 30% new. Unfiltered
• Alcohol: 13.9%
• Case Production: 50 cases
• Pairing: “Classic” Steak & Frites - Filet Mignon with a Bearnaise sauce and French fries.

2021 Inspiration Merlot, Weiler Vineyard, Sonoma Valley

Our third vintage from the Weiler Vineyard, COVID was over and I was able to take an extended vacation to my home in France. Returning during the first week of September, harvest was underway all over Sonoma County. Temperatures were warm, happily no wild fires to contend with, making for a perfect harvest at the end of September. Of course, ripeness also increased making this vintage of Merlot the most opulent of all the Merlots I had made to date with George’s fruit.

You’ll discover aromatics of molasses and cocoa with hints of berry and tea. On the palate, dark cherry, blackberry and wild cassis with a long berry finish. Enjoy it now or lay it down for another 5 years.

Specs

• Vintage: 2021
• Varietal: 100% Merlot
• AVA: Sonoma Valley – Sonoma County
• Vineyard: Weiler Vineyard
• Barrel Program: 16 months aged in medium toast French oak, 30% new. Unfiltered
• Alcohol: 14.5%
• Case Production: 50 cases
• Pairing: Line caught Pacific Salmon, served with heirloom tomatoes and a corn relish with just a splash of balsamic.

2022 Inspiration Merlot, Weiler Vineyard, Sonoma Valley

One of the first things we’re taught as winemakers with multiple wines is not to admit to your customers that you have a favorite. But I figured I can cheat and say that of my ’20, ’21 & ’22 Merlot vintages, the ’22 vintage is my favorite. Perhaps it’s the richness and silky-smooth finish with lots of roundness?

You’ll discover aromatics of cedar, coffee, molasses and cocoa. On the palate, dark cherry, blackberry and sweet cedar with a long, round and balanced finish. Enjoy it now or lay it down for another 10 years.

Specs

• Vintage: 2022
• Varietal: 100% Merlot
• AVA: Sonoma Valley – Sonoma County
• Vineyard: Weiler Vineyard
• Barrel Program: 18 months aged in medium toast French oak, 40% new. Unfiltered
• Alcohol: 14.1%
• Case Production: 100 cases
• Pairing: BBQ Shrimp Burgers with classic potato salad.

What’s Included

6-bottles:

• 2x - 2020 Inspiration Merlot, Weiler Vineyard, Sonoma Valley
• 2x - 2021 Inspiration Merlot, Weiler Vineyard, Sonoma Valley
• 2x - 2022 Inspiration Merlot, Weiler Vineyard, Sonoma Valley

Case:

• 4x - 2020 Inspiration Merlot, Weiler Vineyard, Sonoma Valley
• 4x - 2021 Inspiration Merlot, Weiler Vineyard, Sonoma Valley
• 4x - 2022 Inspiration Merlot, Weiler Vineyard, Sonoma Valley

Price Comparison

$608.00/Case for 4x - 2020 Inspiration Merlot, Weiler Vineyard, Sonoma Valley, 4x - 2021 Inspiration Merlot, Weiler Vineyard, Sonoma Valley, 4x - 2022 Inspiration Merlot, Weiler Vineyard, Sonoma Valley at Inspiration Vineyards and Winery

About The Winery

• Winery: Inspiration Vineyards and Winery
• Owners: Barbara & Jon Phillips
• Founded: 2002
• Location: Sonoma County, CA

Founded in 2002, our mission hasn’t wavered: We strive to produce high quality, food friendly wines at an affordable price, using the finest quality grapes grown throughout Sonoma County.

Although it has only been since 1999 that Jon started producing wine for friends and family; his fascination with wine began while he was in college, working in the tasting room at the Mirassou Winery in San Jose, California.

It may also be possible that Jon’s interest in wine is in his blood. In the early 1900’s, Jon’s great-grandparents owned and farmed vineyards in San Martin, California. His passion for wine and food has been the driving force contributing to his success.

Available States

AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

Estimated Delivery

Monday, Oct 19 - Thursday, Oct 22