NAPA VALLEY, February 2021 – Mayacamas, the renown Napa Valley winery on the slopes of Mount Veeder, is proud to announce the release of its 2019 Chardonnay and 2018 Merlot. Winemaker Braiden Albrecht and Consulting Winemaker Andy Erickson produced these wines with the continued commitment to employ classical techniques that are integral to the character of these varietals.
“Our team is dedicated to the consistency of Mayacamas’ legacy and it is with that hard work that differentiates these releases from other Napa offerings.” said Braiden Albrecht, Winemaker at Mayacamas. “Both of these varietals were harvested early in their respective seasons to retain their natural acidity and structured tannins. The 2019 Chardonnay is full of volume, breadth, and focus with an expansive palette and layers of texture. The fruit filled aromatics paired with savory tones in the 2018 Merlot bring detail, nuance and a persistent finish.”
The 2019 Chardonnay was harvested by hand in late August, pressed whole cluster, fermented in both neutral barrel and stainless steel, and then aged in a combination of large format foudre, puncheon, and neutral barrel for 10 months before being bottled. This focused vintage opens with lifted aromatics of acacia and jasmine supported by a lovely fruit set of ripe Barlett pear, tart pineapple, and cantaloupe. With layers of texture, the secondary flavors include lemon oil, almond, and chamomile with lingering notes of bright tropics, orchard fruit, and crushed flint rock on the finish.
Harvested in September, the 2018 Merlot was destemmed and pressed before fermenting in an open top concrete tank while the Cabernet Franc, at 6% of the final blend, was fermented in stainless steel. Both varietals were aged in neutral French oak, before the Merlot rested in large format foudre and the Cabernet France rested in barrel for 22 months before being bottled. The result is a wine with lifted aromatics of violet and lavender supported by raspberry, plum, and dried blueberry. Dried sage and fresh mint broaden the mid-palate, with persistent notes red berry fruit, black tea, and dried herbs on the finish.
The 2019 Mayacamas Chardonnay and 2018 Mayacamas Merlot and are officially available in March, priced at and $50 for a 750mL bottle of the Chardonnay and $65 for a750mL bottle of the Merlot. For more information, please visit Mayacamas.com.
ABOUT MAYACAMAS
Founded in 1889, Mayacamas stands as one of the most storied vineyards and winery operations in Napa Valley, CA, located high on the slopes of Mount Veeder. Since the 1950’s the vinification of Mayacamas wines has remained remarkably consistent with a continued commitment to employ classical techniques and tools that are integral to the character of the Mayacamas brand and product. In July 2013, Mayacamas was purchased by the Jay Schottenstein family, marking the beginning of a bright new era at Mayacamas. The Schottenstein’s will continue the Mayacamas legacy and distinguished 125-year history while simultaneously moving the brand into the future. Through meticulous restoration of the winery and a renewed focus on the details of great viticulture and winemaking, their vision is coming to fruition. The highly skilled team includes winemaker Braiden Albrecht under the tutelage of Andy Erickson–one of the most accomplished winemakers of his generation. In the vineyard, Phil Coturri–renowned organic viticulturist–oversees the process of replanting and regenerating the soil. Visitors can taste Mayacamas wines and shop luxury retail items at the Downtown Napa tasting room or tour the vineyard through an off-road mountain tasting experience. For more information, please visit: www.mayacamas.com [mayacamas.com].
