Trig Point
Merlot – Diamond Dust Vineyard Alexander Valley – 2018
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.
Grapes / Soils
| Merlot | Vine Age: 30+ years | Deep gravely loam soils |
The Wine
Vineyard Profile
- Diamond Dust vineyard lies just south of the town of Geyserville in the Alexander Valley
- Vine age: Average over 30+ years
- Low vigor vines produce Merlot with more power and depth than typically found in the appellation
- Situated in southern and cooler end of Alexander Valley and coupled with slightly more vigorous soil means the fruit and be taken to full flavor and perfect sugar without dehydration
- Canopy to crop ratio tend to be in perfect balance, cropping at between 3.5 – 4.2 tons/acre
Harvest Notes
- Extended fall sunshine in September and October following a mild August meant ideal conditions
- Tannins moved quickly from green to dusty and then slowed as we got to the dry and ripe stages
- Flavors caught up without sugar rising too quickly
- Acids maintained later into cooling season
- Picking pace was perfect to bring in harvest gradually and routinely without rush
- No heat meant little dehydration
- Aging: 2 months in 25% new oak barrels (20% new, tight-grain, 5% new American), 75% neutral oak barrels
Winemaker's Notes
Beautiful red raspberry, dark chocolate, and bacon fat in the nose. Shows red plum, red currant, blackberry, and Indian spice flavors. Full and round mouthfeel with soft tannins.
Wine Summary
100% Merlot, clone 337; alcohol: 14.5%; vine age: average over 30 years; vineyard in cooler southern part of Alexander Valley; aged 2 months in 25% new oak barrels (20% new, tight grain, 5% new American), 75% neutral oak barrels.
Technical Information
- 100% Merlot grapes
- Alcohol: 14.5%
- Clone: 337
- Yield: 4 tons/acre
- pH: 3.62
- Acid: 6 g/l
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 |