Palate
Flavors of black cherry and ripe huckleberry are layered with notes of mocha and Cuban cigar. The 2011 Mt. Brave merlot is rich in fruit, balanced by structure and acidity that creates a mouth-watering finish.
Growing Conditions
The Mt. Brave vineyard is famous for its rugged terrain and steep slopes, where extreme conditions require that all work in the vineyard be done by hand. High above the fog, the vineyard sits at between 1,400-1,800 feet, where nutrient poor, thin soils barely hold water, resulting in tiny berries with intense flavor. While Mt. Veeder is cooler because of its elevation, it’s the first to see the early morning sun. This extended sun exposure helps ripen the tannins.
Winemaking
In-barrel malolactic fermentation using native strains. Barrel-to-tank racking for natural clarity.
Aging
Aging in French oak barrels 19 months (80% new oak).
