Nose

The aromas are emblematic of Coombsville ripe blueberries,blackberries, anise cedar, cassis and wet granite.

Palate

While the 2008 Merus appears to be opulent, juicy and approachable, there are substantial tannins
lurking just below the surface. The lush, thick palate is backed by balancing acids
that impart structure and elegance to the wine. While drinking beautifully now, the 2008 Merus
has the depth and concentration to expand and evolve over the next five to ten years.

Growing Conditions

Merus is handmade in every sense of the word. It is composed of Cabernet Sauvignon from
Coombsville, one of the last great undiscovered territories in southern Napa Valley. The individual
vineyards selected for Merus are owned by a handful of serious growers who possess extraordinary
terroir and a willingness to implement our strict farming and harvesting protocols. Severe pruning,
cluster sorting, small-lot fermentations and careful lot selection combine to create a wine that is
dense, concentrated and nuanced. 2008 represents our 11th vintage of Merus and also our first wine
made entirely in our temperature- and humidity-controlled, subterranean caves below Howell
Mountain. Merus is sold primarily through the winery’s mailing list.

The 2008 Merus features individual rows of vines from the top vineyards of Coombsville. While not
yet an official AVA, this region produces some of California’s most elegant and complex Cabernet
Sauvignons. Isolated and protected, Coombsville oers a moderate Region II climate that is warmer
and sunnier than nearby Carneros and cooler than many renowned AVAs to the north. e
topography is a rugged mix of hills, benches and mountains and the soils are volcanic, marine and
alluvial. The combination of growing conditions creates wines that are lush, structured, and elegant.

The 2008 vintage posed many challenges, but ultimately turned out to be an exceptional year for
Merus. Winter drought preceded a devastating frost in April that led to an uneven set. A short
hot spell in April was followed by extreme heat in August. The remainder of the season was mild
and clear. The vintage was noteworthy for its low yields, small clusters and flavor-rich berries.

Sold out.

Aging

100% New French oak from selected coopers; 18 months in barrel.