Nose

The 2005 Carneros Merlot exhibits assertive aromas of black berries, dark cherry and
blueberry underpinned with darker notes of coffee, tobacco and cedar.

Palate

The flavors of this bright, young
wine echo the ripe fruit of the nose with added nuances of briar spice, vanilla and toasty oak melting into a
finish of bittersweet chocolate and bay leaf. These rich flavors are wrapped together with a creamy
mouthfeel and chewy tannins that prolong the intensity. Enjoy now or cellar for up to 10 years.

Harvest

The grapes were hand picked in early October 2005 and lightly crushed, leaving a
percentage of whole berries. The wine underwent 23-31 days of extended maceration and was pumped over
traditionally.

Winemaking

This wine was aged for 15 months in new, medium-plus toasted French oak barrels.

Aging

It was
neither fined nor filtered prior to bottling in March 2007.