WINEMAKING
R. Merlo Estate Vineyards was founded on the concept that quality wine is grown in the vineyard. "We are committed to making wines that are true expressions of the varietal fruit from which they are made," says Ray Merlo. The unique growing season of the Hyampom Valley produces exceptional fruit with a high natural acidity resulting in very structured wines with deep, elegant, and yet, fresh, fruit flavors. A minimalist approach is taken in the wine cellar, allowing the wines to clearly reflect the varietal character and distinct terroir of Hyampom Valley.

This concept is embraced by winemaker David Georges, a Northern California native whose experience with wine began with a thorough study of viticulture and resulted in a passion for winemaking. Explains winemaker David Georges, "The only way to make a truly great wine is to grow a truly great wine. That is what we are doing."

Hyampom Valley has been a source of inspiration to Georges. "The fruit expresses such a strong sense of place. I want the unique characteristics of Hyampom Valley fruit to shine through, so that each wine is an elegant expression of the land." Georges has always believed that it is his job to showcase the unique character, vibrancy and concentration in the fruit - to carefully preserve the varietal character while layering in balance, structure and elegance. The result is wines boasting bold flavors and smooth tannins with elegant balance and acidity.

OUR WINEMAKER
David Georges has always had a love and appreciation of the land. At the young age of twenty, Georges moved from his home in Southern California to the northern part of the state to join the California Conservation Corps. He settled in a small valley just south of Mt. Shasta and worked for an Italian land tycoon tending his organic vegetable farm. When his employer inquired about planting a five acre vineyard at the base of Castle Crags, Georges decided it was best to learn to do it right. He was accepted at U.C. Davis and mentored under Dr. Andy Walker, the world's foremost vine and rootstock expert. It was at U.C. Davis that Georges discovered that his passion for winemaking equaled his passion for vineyard management. "I discovered that one can only make a truly great wine with beautifully perfect fruit," he explains. He went on to earn a B.S. Degree in Viticulture / Enology from U.C. Davis in 1998 and was second winemaker in his class.

Georges started his career as viticulturalist at Staton Hills Winery in Wapato, Washington where he honed his skills in canopy and crop management. Returning to California in 2000, Georges was named Viticulturist and later Head Winemaker at Davis Bynum Winery in Healdsburg, California. It was there that Georges put his skills and passion to work producing award-wining wines. "As a winemaker I developed my varietal style of winemaking by being meticulous in my viticultural practices and allowing the fruit to magically make itself into wine," Georges says. As the man responsible for numerous awards, gold medals and 90+ scores, David Georges quickly became a top winemaker in the competitive world of California winemaking.

In 2004, Georges was offered an opportunity to return to the far reaches of Northern California, where his love of vineyards and wine began. As head winemaker of R. Merlo Estate Vineyards, Georges has embarked on one of the most exciting times in his career. "Hyampom Valley is one of the most exciting new winegrowing regions in the world today and I am thrilled to be a part of it." Georges describes it as a bit of a homecoming. "At R. Merlo Estate Vineyards, we strive to bring out the particular characteristics of our vineyards so that the flavors are carried through to the bottle. That's always been my philosophy and our wines are a testament to it."