Nose
Fragrant aromas of bright raspberry, blueberry and cigar box introduce
the lush plum, blackberry and currant flavors of this firmly structured
Merlot.
Palate
With mouth-filling tannins, this wine is complex and decadent
featuring layers of mocha, anise and crème brûlée. Culminating with
elegance and hints of cocoa nibs, our 2014 Merlot will continue to
mature for the next 6- 8 years.
Growing Conditions
Peju’s Rutherford Estate is a California Certified Organic vineyard, and is
planted primarily with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
Persephone Ranch is sustainably farmed and its Pope Valley climate is
suited to grow Sauvignon Blanc, as well as Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet
Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. Drawing from such varied terroir,
the wines exhibit the perfect blend of mountain-fruit focus and Rutherford
complexity.
The 2014 harvest has been termed a “dream vintage” regarding quality. In
spite of the ongoing drought and the South Napa earthquake, the wines
showed great depth of flavor, intense aromatics, and were excellent overall.
Well-timed rains in February and March gave much needed water to the
vines while emerging from dormancy and through bud break. A mild
spring and warm summer provided ideal growing conditions, leading to
an early jump on harvest. We look back on this vintage and celebrate our
good fortune of another bountiful year with undeniably excellent fruit.
Aging
60% french oak and 40% American oak, 40% new.
