Nose
The 2007 Merlot offers a world of complexity, waiting beneath the youthful tannins and bright acidity that make this one
of our more robust bottlings. The nose abounds with primary notes of dark plum, dried cherry and cola with hints of
warm spice and vanilla.
Palate
The structured palate opens with layers of fresh Bing cherry, blackberry preserves and anise
flavors surrounded by velvety tannins and evolving into darker notes of espresso and toffee in the tapering finish.
Growing Conditions
The 2007 vintage had a lot of ups and downs, with an early, cool start and several heat waves throughout the growing
season.
Harvest
The result was smaller bunches of small, intensely flavored berries harvested in early October.
Bottling
Bottled in November 2009.
Winemaking
The grapes were
sorted with our usual intensive process of cluster selection then berry selection before crushing. Extended maceration on
the skins averaged 23 days and extracted deep color and flavors.
Aging
The wines were transferred to 25% new French oak
barrels where they aged for just over 13 months.