2009 Starmont Merlot, Napa Valley

BLEND
99% Merlot, 1 % Cabernet Sauvignon

APPELLATION
Napa Valley

WINEMAKING

• Warm, fast fermentation with a total of 6 days on skins

BARREL AGING
Aged 18 months in 32% new French and American oak

ALCOHOL
14.5% by volume

CELLARING
The wine will develop complexity for up to 5 years from release and hold for 5 years thereafter.

WINEMAKER'S NOTES
We love Merlot planted in the southern part of the Napa Valley, and in particular from around the town of Napa and Carneros, for its robust fruit flavors and added structure.

The fruit was handpicked and carefully sorted. Fermentation was intentionally fast and warm, with a total of 6 days on the skins. The wine was pressed for good color extraction while minimizing fruit bitterness. We aged it in both French and American oak barrels for about 18 months, with 32% of the barrels being new.

Color: deep red with black hues

Aroma: bright forward cherry and currant, toasty oak, caramel, clove, vanilla, and bay leaf

Taste: focused entry leads to a round, fleshy mid-palate with moderate acidity. The wine displays great richness, while not being heavy. The finish is moderately long, accented by red fruit and barrel notes.