Nose
Rich in character and complexity, our 2008 Merlot offers a remarkable bounty of aromas including blueberry and luscious cherry-berry fruit, touched with nuances of cola, cinnamon bark and bay leaf.
Palate
Equally delightful as the nose is the excellently constructed palate, which opens with bright pomegranate, cherry pie and dried cranberry flavors that endure through the finish, echoing notes of vanilla, toasty oak and spiced chai.
Growing Conditions
The 2008 vintage was extremely variable, opening with an intense frost that resulted in limited fruit set, then proceeding to be one of the driest seasons on record which reduced berry weight further. A long, cool summer allowed flavors to develop fully before a heat wave encouraged prompt picking.
Harvest
The small but flavorful clusters were night-harvested mid September and underwent our rigorous sorting process prior to being destemmed into tank. 13 days of extended maceration.
Bottling
Bottling in May 2010.
Aging
The wine aged for 16 months in a combination of 30% new French and American oak barrels.
Food Pairing
Possessing the roundness and structure that it does, this Merlot would show well alongside a rich and flavorful meal, such as a lamb shank stew or tagliatelle Bolognese. For a wonderful cheese course, try it with a hard, aged cheese like Asiago d’Avello or Mimolette.