2025 Merlot – Napa Valley, Rutherford AVA Grape Must

$210.00

Each pail includes 5 gallons of grape must

Product will arrive partially frozen.

Rutherford AVA, Napa Valley, CA

Brix: 27.0 , pH: 3.64 , TA: 3.5 , YAN: 99 mg/L

(Full ETS Lab Report in photos)

Harvested and destemmed: TBD

2025 Alsace Vineyard Merlot

A Rare Expression from Rutherford’s Alsace Vineyard

Just north of Oakville and bordering the Silverado Trail, Alsace Vineyard lies within one of Rutherford’s most prized corridors of red and brown gravelly loam. These well-drained soils and optimal sun exposure yield fruit that balances power with precision — the hallmark of this legendary AVA.

Under the meticulous care of Garvey Vineyard Management, the 2019-planted Clone 15 Merlot ripens evenly, developing deep tones of plum, blackberry, and earthy spice while maintaining freshness and structure. The result is a modern, poised expression of Rutherford Merlot — rich in character yet refined in texture.

Renowned among Napa insiders, Alsace Vineyard has produced wines earning up to 99 points (Wine Spectator) and 97 points (Robert Parker), cementing its reputation as one of the region’s elite sites. Here, warm afternoon sun, cool nighttime air, and the area’s distinctive “dusty” minerality converge to craft fruit with depth, elegance, and unmistakable Rutherford pedigree.

Flavor Profile & Winemaking Potential

The berries are loaded with dark fruit and plum, blackberry, and black cherry flavors, supported by classic earth and spice notes. For Merlot, the fruit shows an unusually vivid, spicy character that adds complexity without losing balance.

Expect excellent tannic structure and enough natural acidity to produce wines with richness, grip, and age-worthy depth — ideal for winemakers seeking a bold yet refined Rutherford Merlot.

Highlights

  • Vineyard: Alsace Vineyard, Rutherford AVA, Napa Valley

  • Varietal: Merlot (Clone 15)

  • Planted: 2019

  • Soils: Red and brown gravelly loam with excellent drainage

  • Farming: Sustainable and fish-friendly, managed by Garvey Vineyard Management

  • Flavor potential: Plum, blackberry, spice, herbs, earth, and long fine-tannin finish

  • Retail comparison: Finished wines from this vineyard have earned up to 99 points (Wine Spectator) and 97 points (Robert Parker)

Extremely limited. Singular to Rutherford.

Provenance Note: This product is made from fruit sourced from Alsace Vineyard in Rutherford, Napa Valley. The vineyard name is used here for factual origin reference only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation.

Each pail includes 5 gallons of grape must

Product will arrive partially frozen.

Rutherford AVA, Napa Valley, CA

Brix: 27.0 , pH: 3.64 , TA: 3.5 , YAN: 99 mg/L

(Full ETS Lab Report in photos)

Harvested and destemmed: TBD

2025 Alsace Vineyard Merlot

A Rare Expression from Rutherford’s Alsace Vineyard

Just north of Oakville and bordering the Silverado Trail, Alsace Vineyard lies within one of Rutherford’s most prized corridors of red and brown gravelly loam. These well-drained soils and optimal sun exposure yield fruit that balances power with precision — the hallmark of this legendary AVA.

Under the meticulous care of Garvey Vineyard Management, the 2019-planted Clone 15 Merlot ripens evenly, developing deep tones of plum, blackberry, and earthy spice while maintaining freshness and structure. The result is a modern, poised expression of Rutherford Merlot — rich in character yet refined in texture.

Renowned among Napa insiders, Alsace Vineyard has produced wines earning up to 99 points (Wine Spectator) and 97 points (Robert Parker), cementing its reputation as one of the region’s elite sites. Here, warm afternoon sun, cool nighttime air, and the area’s distinctive “dusty” minerality converge to craft fruit with depth, elegance, and unmistakable Rutherford pedigree.

Flavor Profile & Winemaking Potential

The berries are loaded with dark fruit and plum, blackberry, and black cherry flavors, supported by classic earth and spice notes. For Merlot, the fruit shows an unusually vivid, spicy character that adds complexity without losing balance.

Expect excellent tannic structure and enough natural acidity to produce wines with richness, grip, and age-worthy depth — ideal for winemakers seeking a bold yet refined Rutherford Merlot.

Highlights

  • Vineyard: Alsace Vineyard, Rutherford AVA, Napa Valley

  • Varietal: Merlot (Clone 15)

  • Planted: 2019

  • Soils: Red and brown gravelly loam with excellent drainage

  • Farming: Sustainable and fish-friendly, managed by Garvey Vineyard Management

  • Flavor potential: Plum, blackberry, spice, herbs, earth, and long fine-tannin finish

  • Retail comparison: Finished wines from this vineyard have earned up to 99 points (Wine Spectator) and 97 points (Robert Parker)

Extremely limited. Singular to Rutherford.

Provenance Note: This product is made from fruit sourced from Alsace Vineyard in Rutherford, Napa Valley. The vineyard name is used here for factual origin reference only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation.