Nose
Our Merlot expresses ripe dark fruit aromas composed of dark cherry, ripe strawberry, Bay leaf, black pepper, arugula and sage. There is a milk chocolate nuance with integrated spicy oak.
Palate
The entry and finish are smooth with integrated fruit resembling black cherry. Fruit, body and tannin hang in balance, with a crisp finish. The depth of fruit coupled with the richness of flavor provides a profile that delivers from the initial sip and continues on the palate for a very long finish.
Growing Conditions
The winter was one of the driest on record, although we did receive 75% of normal precipitation. The relatively dry, warm winter promoted early bud break and a cool spring supported a long flowering period. The balance of the season was moderate to warm. The crop was very light, with small clusters of small concentrated berries, and the fruit ripened about two weeks early in most cases.
Bottling
April 2017
Winemaking
After a five-day cold soak, the fermentation was in stainless steel fermentors at 75°-86° for 10-28 days skin contact, averaging 21.5 days.
Aging
Barrels: French & American (31% new) Cooperage: World Cooperage Aged in Barrel: 16 months
Appearance
Great depth of opaque red ruby color.
