Trig Point
Merlot – Diamond Dust Vineyard Alexander Valley – 2020
Region: california - sonoma
Trig Point
“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 my father was a land surveyor and used these trigs as a reference, so do I when it comes to well known vineyard sites” Nick Goldschmidt, Winemaker.
The Wine
Vineyard Profile
The Diamond Dust Vineyard lies just south of the town of Geyserville in the renowned Alexander Valley wine region. The southern, cooler region of the Valley with slightly richer soils produces Merlot with more power and depth.
- Average Vine Age: 30+ years – old, low-vigor vines
- Good canopy- to- crop ratio
- Yields: 3.5 – 4.2 tons/acre
Harvest Notes
- 2020 rainfall was 2/3 of average
- March & April rains made huge impact for vines to weather summer’s hot days and cool nights
- Early warmth precipitated an early harvest, about 10 days ahead of historical Sonoma vintages
- Alexander Valley mitigated heat with intense fogs that rolled in from Pacific coast every 3 days
- xtremely small crop – 60% of normal
- 2020 a light and rare vintage
- Hand harvested
- Fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks
- Aed in oak barrels 12 months
Winemaker's Notes
Vibrant, dark purple hue. The nose shows gorgeous red cherry and blueberry with spice in the background. Very complex for a wine from the 2020 vintage. The mouth is immediately pleasing. Soft red fruit characters are accented by black tea flavors. Soft and round but with a nice acid to balance.
Wine Summary
100% Merlot, clone 337; alcohol: 14.5%; Diamond Dust vineyard in cooler southern part of Alexander Valley; 2020 growing season with lighter rains and 60% of normal crop size; hand harvested and fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks; aged 12 months in oak barrels.
Technical Information
- 100% Merlot
- Alcohol: 14.5%
- Total Acidity: 6.2 g/l
- pH: 3.55
- Clone: 337
Reviews
93 Points
EDITORS’ CHOICE
Whiffs of green olive, black pepper and earth complement bold dark plum, black olive and blackberry flavors in this nicely structured, moderately tannic and complex wine. It is well knit together on the palate, concentrated and deep. Expect it to drink best from 2025 through 2032.
Wine Enthusiast, November, 2022
General Info
| Country | USA |
| Region | Sonoma County |
| Appellation(s) | Alexander Valley, Sonoma Coast |
| Proprietors | Nick & Yolyn Goldschmidt |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Winemaker | Nick Goldschmidt |
| Annual Production | 5,000 9L cases |
| Farming (Sustainable, organic, biodynamic) | Sustainable/organic |
