Nose
Intense and heady aromas of ripe black fruits, French plums, crushed dried wildflowers, licorice and
spices atop a luscious pure creamy texture framed by classic minerality.
Palate
In the mouth, the entry is
seamless, the tannins velvety, and the flavors have intensity and verve. The wine is mouth coating, the
fruit power and chocolaty finish lingers for some time. This wine is very approachable now, but will
benefit from cellaring and will be at its expressive best over the next 5 to 10 years.
Growing Conditions
The grapes used in producing this exemplary wine originate from some of Napa Valley’s most pedigreed
vineyards, each expressing its own unique terroir and microclimate. Only the finest French oak is used
to elevate the wine during aging. The personality of the 2005 Altus comes from painstaking attention
to detail from the vine through to the wine, preserving and enhancing the unique characteristics of each
of our vineyards, and using these elements to craft a perfected whole from the impressive parts.
Aging
Aged for 18 months in 100% French oak barrels; approximately 50% new oak and 50% one-year-old
barrels from the Merus barrel program
