By Arbor Bench Vineyards
2016 Meritage Dry Creek Valley

Producer Notes
In the heart of Dry Creek Valley, Arbor Bench has been owned by the Hart-Lidow family since 1984. It comprises almost 100 acres, with nearly 33 devoted to vineyards and the rest to native woodland.

Vineyard Notes
The land is planted to Merlot on the lower reaches and Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec on the upper benchland. Unlike the sandy loam of much of the valley floor, the distinctive red benchland soils are gravelly loam, prized for more than a century for producing grapes of exceptional complexity and flavor. The valley floor and Western-facing benchland vineyards receive good sun exposure during the day. The grapes greatly benefit from the evening's cooling fog off the Pacific Ocean, less than twenty miles away. These factors further concentrate on varietal character and acidic balance.

Technical Details
Varietals: 46% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Malbec
Vintage: 2016
Terroir: Red benchland, gravelly loam
Fermentation: Three-week open-top tanks with daily punch-downs
Aging: 22 months in 100% French oak (40% new)
Alcohol: 14.50%
Farmer: Duff Bevill
Winemaker: Chris Markell
[Information provided by Matador Vino]

Arbor Bench 2016 Dry Creek Valley Meritage
Price: $44
Rating: 86
Warm black fruit and black-pepper-scented tannins fill this dusty, earthy blend, a wine for cured sausages. (12/19)