While we are up in the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, let me bring you another wine also from Regan Vineyard, but made by a different winery – Rexford. I introduced you to Rexford back in September 2020 here: https://decantingmonterey.com/rexford-unique-wines-crafted-in-santa-cruz-california/.
Joe and Sam Miller, father and son team, say this about their winemaking on their website: “Our style is strongly influenced by the character of fine European wines that pair well with food. We work closely with selected growers to secure fruit that will produce well-balanced wines that are true to the variety and without excessive alcohol. Absolutely minimal cellar handling is used to preserve the full character and complexity that the grapes can provide. Racking and bottling schedules do not follow rigid timelines, but are adapted to fit the development of each wine. The finest barrels are used judiciously so that oak flavors are not dominant and at most provide a subtle background to the intrinsic aroma and flavor profile of the wine. We do not fine or filter our wines. The wines are exposed minimally to air during production and aging, and they can be expected to continue to improve with several years of bottle aging, though all Rexford wines can be drunk with pleasure on release.” https://rexfordwinery.com/
2013 Rexford Winery Merlot, Regan Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, 14.8% ABV, $35 (#256)
From the Label: “The 2013 Rexford Merlot was made from grapes grown in the Regan Vineyard located on a hillside near Watsonville. This site yields very dark and often intense Merlot that shows similarity to the wines of Bordeaux. We punched this wine down by hand during fermentation and aged it in 50% new French oak. Bottled without fining or filtration, the wine has complex aromas of earth and spice that are true to the varietal. The taste is driven by fruity flavors that are well balanced by tannin and acidity. This excellent Merlot is ready to drink now , but will continue to develop with further bottle age.”
Wine Enthusiast – 90 points: “Father-and-son vintners Joe and Sam Miller consistently deliver solid wines, including this twist-top Merlot that’s aged in 50% new French oak. Its boysenberry fruit is awash in the green peppercorn, herb and crushed graphite character associated with the mountainous region. That pyrazine touch hits the palate, along with black pepper and dark chocolate spice, accenting the tangy red fruit.” Matt Kettmann, July 2017
My Review: Rich garnet in color. Plum, vanilla, spice, cedar, blackberry and cassis on the nose. Complex on the palate – smooth, rich cherry and cedar with some structure. Cassis and a touch of licorice and lemon on the finish. Pretty delicious. January 2021
Check out their current releases on their website. You will find several “firsts” there: a red blend, a Cabernet Franc, plus their 2017 Merlot from the Black Ridge Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains, Santa Clara County! Their prices are mostly $30-35 per bottle and they are currently (as of 3/5/2021) offering free shipping with the purchase of 3 or more bottles. Sounds crazy good, eh?
Stay tuned for the reopening of their winery tasting room in Santa Cruz later this month!
*Refers to wines tasted while Sheltering in Place on Sharon’s personal Facebook group “Sharon’s Central Coast (Monterey) Wine Blog” – including non-Central Coast wines.
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