Nose
Our merlot expresses rich dark fruit aromas composed of blackberry, black currant, blueberry and dark cherry.
Palate
There is a dark chocolate nuance with integrated spicy oak. Coupled with the rich dark fruit, there is a hint of arugula adding to the complexity. The entry and finish are very smooth with integrated fruit resembling black cherry, the overall balance of fruit, body, tannin and acidity are impeccable. The velvety texture coupled with the richness of flavor provides a profile that delivers from initial sip, one that continues on the palate for a very long finish.
Growing Conditions
This growing season was ideal and some would venture to say...“perfect”. With textbook conditions for spring bud break, the vines continued steady growth over the spring, flowering and fruit set. Classic weather promoted a very even set of fruit that was abundant but not over cropped. The long summer days brought a normal veraison, initiating the ripening period that achieved our goals before the fall rains. Harvest was a winemaker’s dream.
Harvest
September 14 - November 05 for Merlot; sugar ranged from 22 to 25 with average of 24.6° brix
Bottling
April 2012
Winemaking
After a five day cold soak, the fermentation was in stainless steel fermentors at 75-86 deg for 10-28 days skin contact, averaging 21.5 days.
Aging
Barrels: French and American Cooperage: World Cooperage, 21% new Aged in Barrel: 14 months.
Appearance
Opaque depth of red ruby color.
