2022 Gundlach Bundschu Merlot, Sonoma Valley California

The 2022 Gundlach Bundschu Merlot comes from the historic Rhinefarm estate, where the Bundschu family has farmed vines for more than 160 years. The estate sits about eight miles north of San Pablo Bay along the southwest slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains, where steep, southwest-facing hillsides, shallow rocky soils of volcanic ash and alluvial material, maritime breezes and long daylight exposure help the fruit develop concentration while preserving freshness. Gundlach Bundschu is also one of California’s pioneering Merlot producers, having made its first Merlot in 1976. The 2022 wine is 94% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the Cabernet adding structure and depth to the Merlot-led profile.

The wine opens with dried sage, oregano and violet, followed by flavors of rhubarb and red currant that build into a robust mid-palate. Silky tannins give the wine a polished texture, while its acidity keeps the ripe fruit focused through a luxurious finish. The fruit is hand-harvested in the cool early morning, followed by a 3–5 day cold soak and gentle pump-over extraction. Native malolactic fermentation with weekly bâtonnage adds texture, and the wine spends 18 months in 100% French oak, 45% new, bringing subtle spice and toast to the finish. Gundlach Bundschu describes the wine as approachable now while capable of developing beautifully for 8+ years.