Rhinefarm Vineyard Estate Bottled Merlot (1986)
SommeliAI Insights
A robust Merlot with dark fruit flavors, complemented by notes of black tea and cocoa.
About this wine
The 1986 Gundlach Bundschu Rhinefarm Vineyard Estate Bottled Merlot from Sonoma Valley presents a deep, dark hue, indicative of its rich composition. On the nose, it offers aromas of ripe blueberries, black tea, and a hint of cocoa, creating an inviting bouquet. The palate is greeted with a robust structure, showcasing flavors of dark fruit, complemented by subtle spice notes. This Merlot's weighty presence and depth reflect the unique terroir of the Rhinefarm Vineyard, known for producing Merlots with distinctive character. As one of California's oldest family-owned wineries, Gundlach Bundschu's commitment to quality is evident in this vintage, which has aged gracefully over the decades.
About the grape
Merlot, originally from France's Bordeaux region, was introduced to California in the mid-19th century. In Sonoma Valley, Gundlach Bundschu Winery, established in 1858, began cultivating Merlot on their Rhinefarm Vineyard in the 1970s. The vineyard's diverse microclimates and soils, ranging from cooler lowlands to warmer slopes, allow for a complex expression of Merlot. This adaptability has enabled the winery to produce Merlot wines that showcase a range of flavors and structures, reflecting the unique terroir of their estate.
Quick facts
- 🏛️ Gundlach Bundschu Winery, established in 1858, is California's oldest continuously family-owned winery.
- 🍷 The 1986 vintage of their Rhinefarm Vineyard Estate Bottled Merlot was noted for its supple elegance, with flavors of cinnamon and pretty Merlot fruit.
- 🌄 The winery's estate, Rhinefarm, spans 320 acres and features diverse microclimates, allowing for the cultivation of various grape varieties, including Merlot.
- 🌆 In 1906, the San Francisco earthquake destroyed the winery's production facilities and one million gallons of wine, leading the family to rebuild and continue their winemaking legacy.
- 🫐 Gundlach Bundschu's Merlot is known for its robust personality, with distinct flavors of blueberries, black tea, cocoa, and spice box.
Palate profile
Producer
Gundlach Bundschu Winery, established in 1858 by Bavarian immigrant Jacob Gundlach, is California's oldest continuously family-owned winery. Located in Sonoma, the 320-acre Rhinefarm estate has been stewarded by six generations of the Gundlach-Bundschu family. The winery has a rich history, including surviving the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, which destroyed its production facilities and one million gallons of wine. Today, under the leadership of Jeff Bundschu, the winery focuses on producing small lots of ultra-premium wines from its historic vineyards.
