Woerfeng Estate Family Legend Merlot 2020 is a dry red wine made from Merlot from the Jinshan area, in the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountains, Ningxia.

The vineyards are located at an altitude of approximately 3,770 feet, within the strip located around 38.5° north latitude, an area recognized for its favorable conditions for growing grapes intended for winemaking. The terrain consists of materials from the Helan Mountains’ alluvial fans, with gravel and sandy soils that offer good drainage and aeration.

To craft this wine, grapes are selected from vines aged 9 to 13 years, with manual harvesting carried out by plot based on their degree of ripeness and the balance between sugar and acidity. The grapes undergo a double selection of clusters and berries before production.

Fermentation begins with a cold maceration of 4–7 days, followed by temperature-controlled fermentation between 77 and 82 °F. The process includes staged pump-overs to favor a progressive and balanced extraction of color, aromas, and tannins. Once alcoholic fermentation is complete, a temperature-controlled malolactic fermentation is performed.

Subsequently, the wine is moved to new French oak barrels for 12–18 months, where it develops notes of vanilla and toast and acquires greater complexity and structure. Once the barrel aging is finished, it remains for at least 6 months in the bottle in a cellar with controlled temperature and humidity, allowing for greater integration of tannins and stabilization of the wine.

In a tasting, it presents a deep and brilliant ruby red color. Its aromatic profile combines black plum, blueberries, and black cherry with delicate notes of violet, toasted oak, and vanilla. On the palate, it is full and silky, with fine and firm tannins, balanced acidity, and good integration between fruit and wood. The finish is clean, long, and persistent.

The 2020 vintage has a specific production of 18,000 bottles, which allows this wine to be presented as a limited production release from Woerfeng Estate.