Palate
The dominant flavor of this rich and smooth Merlot is black cherry, with nuances of milk chocolate, integrated spicy oak and arugula. Great balance of fruit, body, tannin and acidity. The depth and richness of flavor provide a smooth profile that delivers from the initial sip and continues on the palate for a long beautiful finish.
Growing Conditions
The winter was one of the driest on record for the Napa Valley. When we did get rain however, it came right at the time the vines need it the most, promoting bud break and new shoot growth. The balance of the season was moderate to warm. The crop was abundant and the fruit ripened about two weeks early in most cases. We were thankful for a wonderful harvest yielding great wines with immense depth of flavor.
Bottling
March 2016
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 (22% new); World Cooperage aged in barrel: 15 months
