Chelsea Goldschmidt

Dry Creek Valley & Alexander Valley | California
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The exceptional combination of climate, exposure, and soil in the Dry Creek Appellation stamps its signature on this classic varietal. This estate vineyard is slightly cooler than those in Alexander Valley and is well-suited to growing deeply concentrated, powerful Merlot. It also has excellent drainage. River soils and sandy loam permit enough water retention to promote full grape maturity yet discourage the overly-vigorous Merlot from producing high yields.

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2024 Chelsea Merlot Alexander Valley

Tasting Note: A true expression of Alexander Valley Merlot. Bright vibrant and purple color. This wine opens with vibrant aromas of red currant, raspberry, black plum, and baking spices, accented by notes of rhubarb crumble, cardamom, and milk chocolate. The palate is silky and refined, with fine-grained tannins carrying layers of plum, cherry, and cocoa powder. A bright, elegant finish highlights the wine’s balance and graceful structure. Drink through

 

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2023 Chelsea Goldschmidt Dry Creek Valley Merlot

Tasting Note:Deep ruby with garnet edges, this expressive Merlot opens with ripe black cherry, plum skin, boysenberry, and blueberry, layered with cocoa powder and hints of crushed graphite that reflect Dry Creek Valley’s structure-driven terroir. The palate is silky and balanced, offering dark berry fruit and red plum alongside fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity. Subtle notes of mocha and dusty earth add savory depth, leading to a long, mineral-tinged finish with lingering cherry compote. Elegant and polished, this is a structured, Cabernet-adjacent expression of Merlot.

Awards & Accolades

  • 90 Points – Wine Spectator
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2023 Chelsea Goldschmidt Alexander Valley Merlot

Tasting Note: Bright ruby with violet undertones, this youthful Merlot bursts with high toned aromas of wild raspberry, redcherry, and pomegranate, accented by rose petal, baking spice, and a hint of crushed limestone. Lively and energetic on the palate, it delivers vibrant notes of cranberry, plum, and red cherry, with polished tannins and mid-palate complexity from white pepper and blueberry. The finish is sleek and mineral driven, with lingering black cherry and spice. More agile and lifted than its Dry Creek counterpart, it reflects Alexander Valley’s warm days and cool nights with clarity and verve. Drink through 2035.

Awards & Accolades

  • 92 points – Wine Enthusiast
  • 90 points – Wine Spectator

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2022 Chelsea Goldschmidt Dry Creek Valley Merlot

Tasting Note:
Made in a right back Bordeaux Pomerol style this wine is deep purple color with a brilliant hue. This Merlot is velvety in aroma being complex in fresh raspberry, plum, blueberry pie, cedar and dark cocoa. The palate is fleshy and generous in the mouth is followed by flavorful notes of red cherry, smoky caramel cinnamon, mocha, espresso and toasty vanilla. With full, generous tannins that coat the palate, this wine has impressive length, lasting acidity and a soft, elegant finish.

Awards & Accolades

  • 92 points – Wine Spectator
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2022 Chelsea Goldschmidt Alexander Valley Merlot

Tasting Note: This vintage is characterized for an amazing bright ruby color; deep aromas of black currant and blueberries intertwined with delicate notes of vanilla and dark chocolate. The mouth shows a delicate and complex symphony of soft and round tannins, along with velvety layers of dark fruit, soft spices and oak. The finish is elegant and very long, reminding us what a well crafted Merlot can offer.

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2021 Chelsea Merlot, Guidestone Rise, Alexander Valley

Tasting Note:  Deep purple hue. Tantalizing aromas of ripe cherry, blueberry and black plum. Complexed with a hint of vanilla oak but very vibrant. The mouth has immediate fine-grained tannins and a lively complexity, this is a lovely  expression of Alexander Valley Merlot. Flavors are rich and fleshy, with luxurious layers of black berry, red licorice, fig  compote, blueberry and crushed rose petal flowing to a long, elegant finish. Lots of tension and totally fruit driven.

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2020 Chelsea Merlot, Guidestone Rise, Alexander Valley

Tasting Note: This wine has a vibrant, dark purple hue. The nose shows gorgeous red cherry and blueberry aromas with  background spice. Soft red fruit characters, accented by black tea flavors makes the mouth immediately pleasing. Tannins  are round and soft with a nice acid to balance. It finishes with long and supple tannins.

Awards & Accolades

  • 91 points – James Suckling
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2020 Chelsea Merlot, Salmon's Leap, Dry Creek Valley

Tasting Note: This wine has a mid-purple color. Our vineyard highlights the best characteristics that we love in a merlot. Intense dark red  fruit in the nose. Notes of plum and black cherry combined with subtle notes of cassis and mocha; dark chocolate and  blonde tobacco create a complex and aromatic wine. The ripe and rund tannins linger in your mouth creating an everlasting finish.

Awards & Accolades

  • 92 Points – James Suckling

Recent Awards + Accolades

2020 Goldschmidt Vineyards Merlot Alexander Valley Guidestone Rise Chelsea

Score: 91 Points

4 Aug, 2022 – A rich, generous red with sweet plums, cocoa beans, cherries and some baked red chili pepper. Flattering and easy, with medium to full body and powdery tannins. Drink now.