MERLOT RESERVE

Chateau Grand Traverse Merlot Reserve continues our pursuit of precision and patience. This limited bottling represents the culmination of an extraordinary vintage and an unwavering commitment to time-honored craft. Aged an unprecedented 55 months in small oak barrels—nearly ten months longer than the 2018 release—this wine reveals what deliberate aging and cool-climate restraint can achieve when nature and intention align.

The 2020 growing season unfolded under unusually warm, dry conditions, extending well into October and providing the luxury of slow, complete ripening. Those consistent temperatures built both sugar and phenolic depth, yielding small berries with thick skins, firm tannins, and remarkable concentration. In the cellar, small-lot fermentation and gentle handling preserved purity of fruit and structure, while the extended barrel regimen nurtured layers of texture and aromatic complexity rarely seen in Michigan Merlot.

Deep garnet in color, the wine opens with dense aromas of black cherry, plum, cedar, and dark cocoa, evolving toward espresso, leather, and graphite as it breathes. On the palate, it shows both richness and restraint—dark fruit framed by vibrant acidity and fine, enduring tannins. The finish is long and balanced, carried by a harmony of fruit, spice, and oak integration that speaks to both place and patience.

This bottling represents the most ambitious Merlot Reserve we’ve ever released—a benchmark for what extended barrel aging can bring to Northern Michigan red wine.

Terroir Insight

Grown on the southern-facing slopes of the Old Mission Peninsula, our estate Merlot thrives in glacial moraine soils rich in mineral content and naturally well-drained. Long summer daylight hours and cool autumn nights preserve natural acidity and structure, ensuring balance between ripeness and elegance. The 2020 vintage amplified that equilibrium—powerful yet poised, deeply fruited yet refreshingly lifted.

Cellaring Note

Built for longevity, this wine will continue to develop gracefully through 2038. Over time, expect tertiary layers of dried fig, forest floor, tobacco, and warm spice to emerge, softening the tannins and enriching the wine’s complexity. For near-term enjoyment, decant 60 minutes before serving to reveal its full depth.

Food Pairing Ideas

• Omnivore
  • Grilled ribeye with rosemary and garlic butter; Braised lamb shank with red wine and thyme
• Vegetarian:
  • Truffle mushroom risotto with aged Parmesan; Roasted beet and caramelized onion tart; Stuffed portobello with lentils and herbs
• Vegan:
  • Black lentil and walnut bourguignon; Braised eggplant in red wine and miso glaze; Wild rice and roasted root vegetable medley