NAPA VALLEY, February 28 2022 – Mayacamas, the historic Napa Valley winery on the slopes of Mount Veeder, is proud to announce the release of its 2020 Chardonnay and 2019 Merlot. Produced by Winemaker Braiden Albrecht and Consulting Winemaker Andy Erickson, the wines were crafted with the continued commitment to employ classical techniques that are integral to the character of these varietals and synonymous with the Mayacamas name.
“Our winemaking always strives to showcase vintage, site and style. The 2020 Chardonnay is textured and focused – a product of harvesting to retain freshness and minimalism in the cellar. The 2019 Merlot is dense and expressive – a true reflection of 2019 and the growing conditions high on Mt. Veeder,” said Braiden Albrecht, Winemaker at Mayacamas. “We look forward to patrons enjoying these wines in their homes, in our downtown Napa tasting room, or at the vineyard in our recently completed Estate Hospitality Center.”
The 2020 Chardonnay was harvested by hand in mid-August, cluster sorted, whole cluster pressed and fermented and aged in neutral oak barrel, puncheon, and foudre before bottling. The wine opens with lifted aromatics of white flowers and fresh tarragon supported by a lovely fruit set of Anjou pear, tart pineapple, and cantaloupe. On the palate the wine expands, broadening the frame, bringing layers of texture and energy with secondary flavors of lemon oil, mineral, and almond. The finish is long with lingering saline notes, subtle tropics, orchard fruit, and flint rock.
The 2019 Merlot was harvested by hand in late September, cluster sorted, de-stemmed, pressed and fermented in concrete and stainless steel. The Cabernet Franc, at 5% of the final blend, was fermented in open top neutral oak puncheon before the final blend aged in neutral oak foudre for an additional 20 months. This vintage opens with lifted aromatics of violet and cacao supported by a fruit set of plum, dried blueberry, and raspberry. Savory tones of porcini mushroom, leather, and graphite broaden the mid-palate, bringing detail and nuance to the wine’s mid-weight frame before finishing with lingering notes of dark berry fruit, cedar, and black tea.
The 2020 Mayacamas Chardonnay and 2019 Mayacamas Merlot 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].
