Merlo Family Estate Vineyards Hyampom Valley of Trinity County
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Gold Wine Club Vol 28i02 P TheMedal WinningWine Wines from California’s Best Family-Ownedress Wineries. Merlo Family Estate Vineyards Hyampom Valley of Trinity County Gold Medal Wine Club The Best Wine Club on the Planet. Period. Merlo 2012 Zinfandel Trinity County 750 Cases Produced The Merlo 2012 Zinfandel comes from the Merlo Family Estate Vineyards in the Hyampom Valley of Trinity County, a very northern wine growing appellation in California. This wine is well structured with deep, elegant, and yet, fresh fruit flavors, reflecting the varietal character and distinct terroir of orthe chipotle-lime Valley. A very rubbed floral nose pork of loin. red Agedfruits 12 and months spice leads in oak. to 100% a soft Zinfandel.and gentle Enjoy mouthfeel, now until supported 2022. by fresh acidity and a surprisingly long finish. Try pairing this Zinfandel with mushroom risotto 92 Points + Best of Class of Region - California State Fair Wine Competition Merlo 2013 Zinfandel Trinity County 250 Cases Produced 4 weeks longer than that of Napa or Sonoma), which allows for slower, more even fruit ripening and the The Merlo 2013 Zinfandel benefits from the Hyampom Valley’s long growing season (usually a full 3 to overtonescreating of and full, supported concentrated by soft flavors. tannins. Deep Aged garnet 12 monthsin color, in the oak. 2013 100% Zinfandel Zinfandel. presents Enjoy aromasnow until of 2023.spice, HOW WE CHOOSE 89cedar, Points briar and -ripe plummy fruit. On the palate, dark cherry fruit flavors are in balance with warm oak OUR WINES: Toast of the Coast Wine Competition Gold Medal Wine Club showcases two exceptional wines from only the best small Merlo 2014 Zinfandel wineries of California. Featured Trinity County 250 Cases Produced wines include those which have earned medals in the top wine- The Merlo 2014 Zinfandel is a full bodied and smoothly textured wine with effusive blackberry and industry competitions or have been highly rated by a respected national wine publication accesscherry toflavors. it, throw While one iton is the both grill ripe and and enjoy full, it withit is not this a beauty “bruiser,” - they but are a aquite match graceful made inwine heaven. deserving Aged 12of (see goldmedalwineclub.com/ monthscontemplation in oak. 100%and reflection. Zinfandel. Although Enjoy now beef until tri tip2024. is less common in the rest of the country, if you have resources/wine-ratings). On occasion, we feature wines Gold Medal Special Selection which are newly released by the winery and which medals and reviews are forthcoming. Merlo 2014 Chardonnay Each and every selection is a superb wine made in small Trinity County quantities and with very limited Produced from the Merlo Family Vineyards, the Merlo 2014 Chardonnay is a full bodied, well balanced distribution. There are over 4,000 wineries in California aromas of pear, apple, and baking spices. On the palate, the wine is not overtly buttery - if you look for it, producing thousands of different theand notesdeliciously of vanilla food andfriendly toast wine. from Deep the oak golden aging straw are inthere, color, but this they Chardonnay are discreet offers and brilliant well integrated clarity with in the wine, serving as supporting roles than a leading one. Aged 50% in French Oak, 50% in stainless steel. above criteria are considered in choosingwines. the Only featured wines selectionsfitting the Enjoy now until 2019. each month. Silver Medal - San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2 Merlo Family Estate Vineyards Nestled in the Hyampom Valley of California’s rugged North Coast, Merlo Family Estate Vineyards produces a rare collection of richly flavored and expressive wines. Hyampom Valley beckoned and the wick was lit on the candle that would eventually become Merlo Family Estate Vineyards. As a means of explanation, the Hyampom Valley is a pristine place located in Trinity County, a bit more than halfway between interior Redding and Eureka, on the California Coast. It is currently the home to several wineries and more importantly, a place that contains marvelous alluvial soils that are perfect for growing serious, world-class fruit. Ray and Robin Merlo immediately set out to plant additional vineyards (Sangiovese and Nebbiolo) and build a small Merlo Family Estate Vineyards wine came in 2004. The winery beganwinery selling on the its property. product The and firsthas sincerelease continued of some on10,000 that course.cases of Merlo Family Estate Vineyards is located along the banks of the wild and Merlo Family scenic South Fork of the Trinity River and at the base of the South Fork Estate Vineyards is a Mountain, the longest continuous ridge in the continental United States. This wholly unique setting helps create wines that speak to the power and true family business, beauty that is Hyampom Valley. with a number of the family members The Merlo Family of Redding in Northern California can involved. trace their family roots back to the Piedmont region of Northern In addition to the parents, Ray and relatives of the family were actually in the wine business, a Robin, who serve as factItaly, made the source clear toof Raymany and of Italy’sRobin greatestMerlo on wines. a trip Somethere hoarierseveral owners (Ray is also decades ago. The Merlos actually visited the old Merlo family general manager), son vineyard, planted four generations before and still perfectly maintained to this day by a cousin. manager. Travis does theDuane is administrativethe vineyard couple and increased their appreciation of wine and the complexity duties and assists with and dedicationThe first involved hand inexperience growing world-classproved critical grapes. to the young sales. Sisters Heather The couple returned to California and their existing and Megan help around harvest time for the climate of this small pocket valley, the fruit medical practices, but kept the idea of growing grapes and owning producedInfluenced inby the idyllicMerlo growing Family seasonVineyards and a winery in the back of their minds. An old school friend, Randall close knit family. expresses a strong sense of place. Based on Meredith, had discovered an area not far from their home that he the concept that quality wine is grown in the The winery vineyard, a minimalist approach is taken in considered ideal for planting grapes and establishing a winery. today remains at the The Merlos began visiting the area and helping with the harvests. 10,000-case level, but the varietal character and distinct terroir of Hyampomthe cellar, allowing Valley. the wines to clearly reflect can be expanded if the In the late 1990’s, some already planted land in the remote Continued on Page 4 3 WinemakerSteven Canter, Winemaker Steven Canter grew up in Lexington, Massachusetts, about twenty miles outside of Boston, and came all the way to Trinity County to accept the position of Winemaker and Viticulturist for Merlo Family Estate Vineyards. Although neither of his parents were foodies or wine enthusiasts while he was growing up, Steve developed an early interest in cooking and found that he had both a well tuned palate and thirst for wine knowledge. He began his quest by working in wine retail before traveling the world and gaining a unique global He brings a distinctive perspective to Merlo Family Estate Vineyards and understanding of the world of wine as well as learning the fine art of winemaking. enjoys the challenge of crafting the expressive, unique varietal wines of Hyampom Valley. His family couldn’t be happier with their move to the region, as he declares, “I feel incredibly lucky to grow and make wine in such a pristine environment, and am able to raise my family here. We feel like we have truly found our home.” Merlo Family Estate Vineyards Continued from Page 3 situation arises. A total of sixty acres is currently under vine and exposure to their idyllic growing area. produces exceptional fruit from the growing region that is just a “Our valley must be seen to be believed,” Ray Jr. small blipThe on thewinery California has twogrowing tasting regions’ room, radar. one at the winery in Hyampom Valley, and the other in Clarksburg, CA, some 15 declared. “It is almost as perfect as one could imagine for minutes south of Sacramento. growing superior grapes.” family birdThe - so winery’s to speak. labels Merlo featuremeans blackbirda red-winged in Italian blackbird, and thus a natural inhabitant of Northern California’s vineyard lands and the the obviousUnder choice the to hand adorn of the Ray Merlo Merlo, family’s the entire incredible family wine continues labels. to strive to make world-class wines that will bring even more 4 Food Pairings from Merlo Family Estate Vineyards Rosemary Lamb Chops Pair with the Merlo Zinfandel 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 cup Merlo Family Vineyards Zinfandel 1 sprig fresh rosemary 1-2 leaves fresh sage Sea salt White pepper 2-6 lamb (or pork) chops For the marinade, mix all the ingredients together, except for the chops. Add chops to the mixture and marinate for 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. Pull the meat straight from the marinade onto a hot, well-oiled grill. Cook for 3 minutes on each side (lamb), or depending on thickness, cook until 150 degrees (center temperature). Pair with the Merlo Family Vineyards Zinfandel. Recipe provided by Merlo Family Estate Vineyards. Scallops in Wine Sauce Pair with the Merlo 2014 Chardonnay 1 lb bay scallops Salt and pepper 2 Tbs butter 1 Tbs lemon juice 1/44 scallions, cup Merlo finely Family chopped Vineyards 1 tomato, chopped Chardonnay 12 eggTbs yolkflour 1/2 cup water 1/4 cup whipping cream 1 bay leaf 1 Tbs parsley, chopped 2 parsley sprigs Place scallops, scallions, lemon juice, wine, water, bay leaf, and parsley sprigs in a saucepan.