Merlot is the new normal. Though unfairly treated for years, Merlot is striding confidently into your home and into your glass, brimming with red fruit, easy tannins and an approachable softness. Beginning with a nose of allspice, hazelnut, and vanilla, our Estate Merlot unfolds smoothly into blackberry, elderberry, and blueberry flavors, framed by a balanced acidity and lightly toasted wood notes. The full-bodied wine fills the palate with fresh berry pie all the way through the long and engaging finish. This wine is perfect with both vegetarian and heartier beef fare; think beef stew or polenta dishes. Roll out the welcome mat, Merlot is knocking at your door.
Vineyards
The 2020 Merlot was primarily sourced from our estate San Lucas Vineyard. San Lucas is located 17 miles south of our Greenfield winery. Here, the days are warmer and longer, yet cool down quite dramatically when the sun goes down, recording a greater day-to-night temperature differential. This brings out a lush blackberry fruitiness with a soft-on-the-palate feel. Hames Valley is located at the southern edge of Monterey County and has a climate characterized by a high day-to-night temperature differential, with a variation of up to 50" quite common. The resulting blend is a wonderfully balanced wine with abundant full fruit and a subtle spiciness and earthiness.
Vintage
The 2020 growing season unfolded with a gentle winter followed by spring rains and moderate temperatures. Lovely 85-degree days and cool 55-degree evenings allowed for even ripening of the grapes. Warmer late-season temperatures had our grapes ready to pick slightly earlier than normal, with our first grapes being harvested in mid-August. This proved to be a blessing because in late August, electrical storms sparked numerous fires that burned throughout Monterey County. Fortunately, fruit from our vineyards closest to the fires had already been picked and the strong winds off Monterey Bay dispersed the smoke and kept it from settling over our vineyards. In a year marked by challenge and change, we believe our 2020 vintage wines are a bright spot.
Winemaking
Upon arrival at the winery, the grapes were destemmed, crushed, and fermented in 1 1/2 ton open-top fermenters. Punch downs, where the firm cap of skins and seeds that bubble up and form on the surface during red fermentation are submerged, were conducted twice a day for two weeks. After settling the heavy solids, the juice was racked clean to barrels and aged for 18 months. It is wonderful to drink now, yet also suitable for additional aging.
Specs
Variety: Merlot
Vineyards: San Lucas, Hames Valley
Appellation: Monterey
Harvest Date: Sep 17, 2020
Alcohol: 14.8%
pH: 3.53
TA: 6.0 g/L
Aging: 63% Hungarian oak, 12% French oak, 14% American oak, 18 months
Arguably the most important red wine grape in the world, a distinguished Cabernet Sauvignon is one of life’s great pleasures. We choose our Cabernet sites carefully: warm days with lots of sunshine, cool nights to preserve the balance of the fruit, well-drained soils, and gentle slopes. These elements allow us to produce exceptional Cabs year in and year out. Our 2020 vintage is intense and focused, with aromas of blackberry, blueberry, and ripe plum with notes of tarragon and toasty oak. Bold and full-bodied, it is framed by elegant tannins. Lingering notes of black fruit, vanilla, and mocha prevail on the finish. While drinking beautifully now, this rich and vibrant Cabernet will age nicely over the next 5-10 years.
Vineyards
The Cabernet grapes were sourced from our estate San Lucas and Hames Valley Vineyards. San Lucas is a postcard-perfect vineyard, with gorgeous rolling topography, sunshine-filled days, and cool nights. Hames Valley is located at the southern edge of Monterey County and has a climate characterized by a high day-to-night temperature differential, with a variation of up to 50 degrees quite common. Each vintage, these two vineyard sites duke it out for the Cabernet title, with San Lucas being the most predominant in our 2020 blend.
Vintage
The 2020 growing season unfolded with a gentle winter followed by spring rains and moderate temperatures. Lovely 85-degree days and cool 55-degree evenings allowed for even ripening of the grapes. Warmer late-season temperatures had our grapes ready to pick slightly earlier than normal, with our first grapes being harvested in mid-August. This proved to be a blessing because, in late August, electrical storms sparked numerous fires that burned throughout Monterey County. Fortunately, fruit from our vineyards closest to the fires had already been picked and the strong winds off Monterey Bay helped to disperse the smoke and keep it from settling over our vineyards. In a year marked by challenge and change, we believe our 2020 vintage wines are a bright spot.
Winemaking
The grapes were handpicked, destemmed, and crushed into small bins for fermentation. Fermentation was carried out in a small lot, open-top fermenters. The cap was punched down twice daily at the height of fermentation to gently increase the extraction of color and phenolic compounds. The juice was racked clean to barrels for secondary malolactic fermentation and aging. Barrel-aged for 18 months, the wine was bottled unfiltered in order to preserve the tannin structure and aromatics.
Specs
Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyards: 79% San Lucas, 21% Hames Valley
Appellation: Monterey
Harvest Date: Oct 5 – Nov 4, 2020
Alcohol: 13.9%
pH: 3.73
TA: 6.3 g/L
Aging: 86% French oak 10% Hungarian oak, 4% American oak, 18 months
Scheid Family Wines, a family-owned and operated wine company for over 50 years, is ranked among the top 25 largest wine producers in the United States. Based in Monterey County, California, Scheid is vertically integrated to bring high quality estate grown wines to the marketplace from its sustainably and organically certified vineyards, and grower partners throughout the Central Coast. Scheid’s innovative, luxury-level winery is 100% powered by renewable wind energy generated by a 400-foot-tall wind turbine, which also supplies energy to the local community. The Scheid Family Wines globally distributed brand portfolio includes Scheid Vineyards, Sunny with a Chance of Flowers, VDR (Very Dark Red), Grandeur (organically certified), Fog & Light, Metz Road, District 7, Ryder Estate, and HOXIE, a premium wine spritzer as well as Witness Mark. Scheid Family Wines sells internationally to over 30 countries and is one of the largest producers of premium exclusive brands.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
Scheid Vineyards Mixed Bordeaux Reds - $35 = 17.94%
Have to do a little poking around but the notes seem to dismiss any smoke troubles…mention fires that started in mid August but they were already picking fruit. However these wines were harvested Sept - Nov
Good morning Casematers. I am lucky enough to be a rat for the Scheid Cabernet. The good news is there is no smoke taint on this wine. The not so good news, is it either very young, or just okay. There is no discernible smell or legs.
First sips revealed cherry or boysenberry with a hint of coffee. This wine had no finish, meaning as soon as finished a swallow, you wanted more. It is not complex. The mouth feel was like drinking grape juice. This is not a bad thing as it is an easy drinker.
We paired this with a ribeye, grilled asparagus, and a baked potato. The wine did not detract or clash with anything.
We liked this wine, but right now, it is the kind of wine you either bring to the party and drink last after the good bottles have been consumed,you give it away to the Postman/UPS driver for gifts, or someone who likes lighter wines. We like wines that smack you in your tastebuds and this is not that wine.
If you like lighter reds, this would be for you. I can see it with shrimp, or a salmon dish instead of a steak.
I have to take a four hour test today and drive home, but will be checking in late in the day.
As always, thanks Alice and Casemates for the chance to be a rat.
The Cabernet: decantingmonterey.com blog by Central Coast Sharon …My Review: Wood chips on the nose. Very tasty palate with smooth tannins. This is an easy drinking, “Tuesday night” wine. I kind of like it. February 2024
Labrat for the Scheid Merlot! My apologies for the short notes – I usually don’t Internet on Friday-Saturdays.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to taste this. For a while we’ve felt like the “white wine and cider” rats, and so it was good to have a red, especially a merlot. As a reminder, I taste with charming Leo, my cohabitant sweetie.
We had this wine on Friday night with two kinds of pizza – combo and pepperoni/ham/pineapple.
Merlot and similar wines are my red preference. Basic? Unchallenging? Maybe, but you know, I like what I like. Leo tends to like his reds more aggressive.
Unfortunately, we were both a little disappointed with this wine. Leo’s notes are as follows:
Nose: Strong berry notes, verging on sweet. Almost no earth or
mineral notes.
Palate: Almost no tannins. Very full-bodied with big flavors. Take a
decent Cabernet, remove all the astringence, and you’ll pretty much
have this.
Nothing amazing, but absolutely nothing wrong with it.
My thoughts: the berry/cherry you’d expect of a merlot. Dark red in the glass, thin in the mouth. The finish is light but “balanced” – where that means a bit of tannin, a bit of acid, fading quickly.
I was just re-tasting it for this – sitting with it while typing and watching the new Kathy Bates Matlock. I said to Leo, “I can think of a lot of things to do with this, but they involve putting it in a pan with some San Marzanos, or in a pitcher with some fruit and brandy…” That’s not really a slight, in that we don’t cook with wine we wouldn’t happily drink here.
Light, “easy drinking,” but I think there are more remarkable merlots at this price point.
Thank you for the opportunity to try this Merlot!
Aroma- dark berries.
First taste gave me a little of the sweet wine shiver but after more time in glass that didn’t happen again. Tasted more blackberry and light spice.
This was a lightee wine with little tannins.
By itself and with grilled pork chops was just okay for me.
Even with the mixed Cab in this offer this is a pass for me. So, I am still searching for a good Merlot but enjoyed the opportunity
Lab rat for the Scheid cab. First I must add that I am a Riedel wine glass snob. I tasted it in a Riedel cab glass. It was dry and a bit bitter. When I tasted it in the cask mates provided glass it was smoother and had a hint of fruity flavor to it. I preferred it in the cask mates glasses. Was a good wine. I would give it a 5 out of 10
2020 Scheid Vineyards Estate Grown Merlot, Monterey
Tasting Notes
Vineyards
Vintage
Winemaking
Specs
2020 Scheid Vineyards Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Monterey
Tasting Notes
Vineyards
Vintage
Winemaking
Specs
What’s Included
4-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
Not for sale on winery website, $468/case MSRP
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Nov 25 - Wednesday, Nov 27
Scheid Vineyards Mixed Bordeaux Reds
4 bottles for $64.99 $16.25/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $159.99 $13.33/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2020 Merlot
2020 Cabernet
Their own name on the label! Does that mean this is the high end stuff?
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
Scheid Vineyards Mixed Bordeaux Reds - $35 = 17.94%
Have to do a little poking around but the notes seem to dismiss any smoke troubles…mention fires that started in mid August but they were already picking fruit. However these wines were harvested Sept - Nov
Very interested in the rats on this one
2020 Scheid Vineyards Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Monterey
Good morning Casematers. I am lucky enough to be a rat for the Scheid Cabernet. The good news is there is no smoke taint on this wine. The not so good news, is it either very young, or just okay. There is no discernible smell or legs.
First sips revealed cherry or boysenberry with a hint of coffee. This wine had no finish, meaning as soon as finished a swallow, you wanted more. It is not complex. The mouth feel was like drinking grape juice. This is not a bad thing as it is an easy drinker.
We paired this with a ribeye, grilled asparagus, and a baked potato. The wine did not detract or clash with anything.
We liked this wine, but right now, it is the kind of wine you either bring to the party and drink last after the good bottles have been consumed,you give it away to the Postman/UPS driver for gifts, or someone who likes lighter wines. We like wines that smack you in your tastebuds and this is not that wine.
If you like lighter reds, this would be for you. I can see it with shrimp, or a salmon dish instead of a steak.
I have to take a four hour test today and drive home, but will be checking in late in the day.
As always, thanks Alice and Casemates for the chance to be a rat.
The Cabernet:
…My Review: Wood chips on the nose. Very tasty palate with smooth tannins. This is an easy drinking, “Tuesday night” wine. I kind of like it. February 2024
decantingmonterey.com blog by Central Coast Sharon
A Jan '23 winemaker blurb here
fwiw
Labrat for the Scheid Merlot! My apologies for the short notes – I usually don’t Internet on Friday-Saturdays.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to taste this. For a while we’ve felt like the “white wine and cider” rats, and so it was good to have a red, especially a merlot. As a reminder, I taste with charming Leo, my cohabitant sweetie.
We had this wine on Friday night with two kinds of pizza – combo and pepperoni/ham/pineapple.
Merlot and similar wines are my red preference. Basic? Unchallenging? Maybe, but you know, I like what I like. Leo tends to like his reds more aggressive.
Unfortunately, we were both a little disappointed with this wine. Leo’s notes are as follows:
My thoughts: the berry/cherry you’d expect of a merlot. Dark red in the glass, thin in the mouth. The finish is light but “balanced” – where that means a bit of tannin, a bit of acid, fading quickly.
I was just re-tasting it for this – sitting with it while typing and watching the new Kathy Bates Matlock. I said to Leo, “I can think of a lot of things to do with this, but they involve putting it in a pan with some San Marzanos, or in a pitcher with some fruit and brandy…” That’s not really a slight, in that we don’t cook with wine we wouldn’t happily drink here.
Light, “easy drinking,” but I think there are more remarkable merlots at this price point.
Good morning Casematers!
I also received the Merlot to rat but have been out of town and hope to taste & put up some notes later.
Thank you for the opportunity. I am sorry it was such a busy weekend for me.
/giphy waiting
Thank you for the opportunity to try this Merlot!
Aroma- dark berries.
First taste gave me a little of the sweet wine shiver but after more time in glass that didn’t happen again. Tasted more blackberry and light spice.
This was a lightee wine with little tannins.
By itself and with grilled pork chops was just okay for me.
Even with the mixed Cab in this offer this is a pass for me. So, I am still searching for a good Merlot but enjoyed the opportunity
Lab rat for the Scheid cab. First I must add that I am a Riedel wine glass snob. I tasted it in a Riedel cab glass. It was dry and a bit bitter. When I tasted it in the cask mates provided glass it was smoother and had a hint of fruity flavor to it. I preferred it in the cask mates glasses. Was a good wine. I would give it a 5 out of 10