2009 MERLOT - WINE NOTES

•GRAPE SOURCING•

Grapes for our Merlot were selected from among the best coastal growing regions in California, including from the North Coast and the Sacramento River Delta Region.   In these areas, warm sunny days provide optimum grape ripening, while Pacific Ocean fog create cool nights and maintain the acidity in the grapes, resulting in a balanced Merlot full of flavor.

Appellation: 100% California

•VINTAGE•

The 2009 growing season provided almost ideal growing conditions for wine grapes.  The climate was generally cool and moderate and grapes grew quickly helping the vines to produce a relatively large crop, although the vines for our 2009 California Merlot were thinned to ensure optimum flavor concentration.  The mostly cool growing season ensured full development of the grapes, with a heat spell in early September helping the grapes to ripen well.  A mid-October rain concerned growers, but with the following Indian summer, the grapes matured beautifully and by late October harvest was complete.  Our 2009 Merlot is soft and approachable with wonderful fruit flavors. 

Wine analysis: 0.55% total acid, 3.62 pH, and 13.9% alcohol, by volume

•WINEMAKING• 

After harvest, the fruit was handled gently and fermented in stainless steel to preserve the fully fruit flavors in the grapes.  The individual lots were kept separate according to their respective growing areas, and blended to balance the fruit flavors with the crispness and structure of grapes from Mendocino and the North Coast.  A portion of the blend was oak aged to add subtle toast and vanilla accents.      

Varietal blend: 94% Merlot, 6% Other Red 

•SOMMELIER NOTES•

Our Merlot is a rich garnet color, with flavors of black cherries, plums, and figs, with a soft, smooth finish. With its crisp acidity and ripe fruit flavors, this wine is an easy match with a wide range of main courses, including meats, pasta and vegetarian dishes.