Lot #31 Merriam Vineyards

“Downeast Old Wente” is a block-designated wine from Eastside Estate Vineyard. The grapes from this mono-clone block are hand-picked, pressed and fermented independently to distinguish its unique characteristics from the rest. Winemaker William Weese believes this vintage represents one of the best from the Russian River Valley. The term ‘Downeast’ is traced back to the nautical culture of New England where sailors used the southwestern prevailing winds to sail downwind to the east. Today this term has expanded to refer to much of the Maine coastline and the people who reside there. Peter Merriam, a native of Maine and avid fly fisherman, enjoys spending time along the coast in the summer months fishing for striped bass. “Downeast Old Wente” is Merriam Vineyards’ journey toward the coast, down the Russian River along Eastside Road.

Merriam Vineyards was founded in 2000 by Peter and Diana Merriam. The first wine produced came from a 12-acre vineyard on Limerick Lane that they named Windacre Vineyard after their home in Maine. Today, Merriam Vineyards farms 45 acres across three vineyard sites in the Russian River Valley, producing Bordeaux and Burgundian-style wines.

“Downeast Old Wente” was hand-picked in the early morning and fermentation began with a method known as ‘pied de cuve.’ This distinctive wine was fermented and aged in 100% new Alain Fouquet Montrachet barrels. The soft tannins and tight grain of the French Oak complement the expressive characteristics of Old Wente clone Chardonnay to beautifully accentuate the terroir of this unique block. This 2023 Chardonnay shows notes of apple, pear, caramel, nutmeg and cinnamon spice.

WINEMAKER(S): William Weese

ESTIMATED BOTTLING DATE: August 2024
ESTIMATED SHIPPING DATE: January 2025

National Distribution: MA, MS, NH

A winemaker dinner or store visit is offered in your market as part of this lot. Must be scheduled on a mutually agreeable date.