Bergheim Cellars

2007 Gundlach Bundschu Merlot

Founded in 1858, Gundlach Bundschu is California’s oldest family run winery. Currently run by the sixth generation of the Bundschu family, the historic California winery focuses on making small lots of single vineyard, estate-grown, ultra-premium wines from its sustainably farmed vineyard in southern Sonoma Valley.

Gundlach Bundschu is located at the crossroads of Sonoma Valley, Carneros and Napa Valley appellations and tucked into the base of the Mayacamas Mountain Range. The family meticulously farms its steep hillsides to produce world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines, while blocks on the cool clay soil of the valley floor are ideally suited for limited production Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer and Chardonnay. 
 
About the Merlot, Ten individual vineyard blocks were sustainably farmed and vinified in 15 separate lots to craft the '07 Estate Merlot. Seven- to thirty-year-old vines are planted on the steep hillsides where warm days and cool nights produce Merlot of distinctive concentration and balance. The fruit was night harvested by hand, cold-soaked for three to five days and aged 17 months in 100% French oak barrels, 40% new, with regular lees stirring to produce a concentrated, elegantly structured wine.  
 
The '07 growing season gave near perfect, mild climatic conditions, resulting in low yields and wines of excellent concentration. Aromas of Bing cherry and violets are followed by a soft, rich palate of concentrated black plum and berry flavors. Round, lush tannins add weight and a creamy texture. The wine finishes with generous black fruit, oolong tea leaf and vanilla. Delicious upon release, this Merlot will also benefit from some cellar aging.