Nose
Fruit forward with notes of dark plum, black cherry and oolong tea.
Palate
Sourced from the Sonoma County AVA this Merlot focuses on bright and red fruit aromatics. Red cherry, dried fig, boysenberry and hints of cocoa dance on the palate while notes of toasted oak create a round mouthfeel. The finish is highlighted by black fruit flavors and cocoa.
Growing Conditions
The Arrowood Merlot is comprised of two vineyard sites, both selected for their rocky, well-draining soils. The Legacy Vineyard is located in a cooler to moderate area of the Alexander Valley AVA, while our Arrowood Estate Vineyard in the Sonoma Valley AVA sits on a western facing slope that offers slightly more sun exposure. The 2012 vintage offered perfect weather conditions to express these sites at their optimum ripeness, each delivering low yields and concentrated flavors.
Winemaking
Fermented in stainless steel, 100% malolactic fermentation.
Aging
Aged for 24 months in 38% new oak barrels (mostly French) and 62% seasoned oak barrels.
