{"product_id":"stimson-estate-cellars-merlotby-chateau-ste-michelle-2021","title":"Stimson Estate Cellars Merlot 2021","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinery Background and History\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eStimson Estate Cellars is a value-focused label produced by Chateau Ste. Michelle, Washington State’s oldest and most acclaimed winery, established in 1934. The Stimson label honors Frederick Stimson, a 19th-century timber baron whose estate became the site of Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Woodinville winery. Stimson Estate Cellars offers approachable wines that reflect the Columbia Valley’s terroir, making quality Washington wines accessible to a broad audience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eProducer and Winemaker\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe 2021 Stimson Estate Cellars Merlot is crafted under the guidance of Chateau Ste. Michelle’s experienced winemaking team. Their approach emphasizes minimal intervention, allowing the character of the vineyard to shine through. The team collaborates closely with vineyard managers to ensure optimal grape quality, resulting in wines that are both expressive and balanced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVineyards and Micro Climate\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eGrapes for the 2021 Stimson Estate Cellars Merlot are sourced from select vineyards within Washington State’s Columbia Valley. This region benefits from a continental climate with warm days and cool nights, promoting balanced acidity and ripe fruit flavors. The diverse soils and elevations contribute to the complexity and structure of the grapes, making it an ideal location for cultivating Merlot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVinification \u0026amp; Aging Methods\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe 2021 vintage underwent fermentation in stainless steel tanks to preserve its fresh fruit character. Post-fermentation, the wine was aged for several months in a combination of French and American oak barrels, with a portion being new oak. This aging regimen imparted subtle notes of vanilla and spice, complementing the wine’s natural fruitiness without overwhelming it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe 2021 Stimson Estate Cellars Merlot offers aromas of ripe cherries, plums, and blackberries, complemented by hints of vanilla, toasted oak, caramel, and a touch of licorice. On the palate, it presents a juicy and round profile with soft tannins, showcasing fresh cherry and berry flavors. The finish is smooth with subtle spice and vanilla notes, resulting in a dry, medium-bodied, and well-balanced wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood \u0026amp; Wine Pairing\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThis Merlot pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, hearty stews, and roasted vegetables. Its balanced acidity and fruit-forward profile complement dishes like beef tenderloin, lamb chops, or mushroom risotto. The wine’s versatility makes it suitable for both casual and formal dining occasions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eService Methods and Temperatures\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eTo fully appreciate the nuances of the 2021 Stimson Estate Cellars Merlot, serve it slightly below room temperature at 16–18°C (60–64°F). Using a Bordeaux-style glass will enhance the wine’s aromatic profile, allowing the delicate fruit and spice notes to shine. No decanting is necessary; the wine is ready to enjoy upon opening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eStorage and Aging Potential\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eWhile the 2021 Stimson Estate Cellars Merlot is crafted for immediate enjoyment, it can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 3 years. Proper storage will maintain the wine’s freshness and fruit character. However, extended aging is not recommended, as the wine is intended to be consumed while its youthful qualities are at their peak.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape Varietals \u0026amp; Percentage Used\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eMerlot: 95%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eCabernet Sauvignon: 4%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eCabernet Franc: 1% \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eABV (Alcohol by Volume)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e14.5%\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ASC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47922376114390,"sku":null,"price":104.0,"currency_code":"HKD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/5465\/4934\/files\/StimsonEstateCellarsMerlot.png?v=1773669526","url":"https:\/\/www.pinotera.com\/products\/stimson-estate-cellars-merlotby-chateau-ste-michelle-2021","provider":"Pinotera Wines \u0026 Spirits","version":"1.0","type":"link"}