Thatcher Bay Vineyard – Seeking Perfection with Merlot

Scott Burkart grows some of the finest Merlot in the world, and we feel privileged to have access to his Thatcher Bay Vineyard fruit. When he decided to grow grapes, he went to school- learning that he had one of the rare patches of black and red clay soil in the Valley. Knowing that Livermore is an ideal climate for Bordeaux varieties, and that Merlot does best in clay, Scott planted merlot.

Scott also decided to adopt cane pruning. A cane-pruned vineyard is much more difficult to maintain than the more common spur-pruned vineyards that dominates the Valley. But for Merlot, cane pruning is worth the effort.

I feel there are two main benefits to cane pruning. First, cane pruning allows better airflow through the fruit zone, reducing mildew pressure and helping with ripening. Second, removal of the old spur reduces inoculum that can build up on the old wood, again reducing disease pressure, and, in my own opinion, allowing the vines to live longer. All good things! We honor Scott’s hard work and dedication by treating his fruit with the care and sensitivity it deserves. When I open a bottle of our Thatcher Bay Merlot, I always picture Scott working in his vineyard, surrounded by healthy vines and sunny weather. Knowing the story behind the bottle only adds to its enjoyment.