Alcohol: 14.1%
Grape(s): 75% Merlot, 25% Petit Verdot
Localization: Virginia, USA
Tasting Notes: On the nose, the Eluvium displays dark stone fruits and berries, accentuated by confectionery and baking spices, forest floor attributes, and a unique dried citrus component that brightens the savory character. A lively and welcoming palate that brings moderate, but lengthy tannins.
Notes: Quaker Run Merlot has been the star of Eluvium, grown on the East Block on the slope. From some of Early Mountain's oldest vines, this Merlot contributes the most unique and exciting aromatic density, with notable textural presence and persistence of fine-grain tannin. As of 2019, the winery has two additional mountain vineyards, Russ Mountain and Capstone, which bring diversity of Merlot to the table: Russ Mountain contributing depth and heft, and Capstone bringing a freshness that displays the purity of Merlot. Considering the added power, depth, and flavor density brought by their fruit, these further approach blending Eluvium.
Eluvium very much represents power, but with nuance. On the surface, the Eluvium blend appears very straightforward; however, it is the exciting diversity in sites and resulting wines that make this one of the most complex to blend. While Petit Verdot can often present as big and monolithic, its complement from Merlot highlights its inherent aromatic characteristics. Sourced from mountainside sites (much like the Merlot), the Petit Verdot is picked not just based on high alcohol potential, but rather the overall flavor profile and balance. Petit Verdot can bring ethereal and floral attributes, in addition to its brooding dense fruit.
The Domain: In a profession so steeped in history, it’s inevitable that we look to the past for inspiration. While our work is informed by knowledge and techniques developed in more established wine regions of the world, we also know a vine in Virginia does not root in the same soil as Europe or spread leaves into the same sun as California. When we understand grapes on their own terms, we create wines with identities that are compelling because the sun, the rain, the plant, the soil, and hands that touch these vines are unique to this place in Virginia.
This tactic of understanding drives our wine growing, and every year we learn from each block at each site. We take this to the cellar and do our best to make the wines the grapes want to be. As our vines get older, so do we, and with that comes the wisdom of age and our contribution to the emergence of Virginia’s wine culture.
