2008 Merlot, Napa Valley

BLEND
75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot

VINEYARDS
Sugarloaf, Kenefick

APPELLATION
Napa Valley

WINEMAKING

• Handpicked, Triple Sorted
• Extended maceration
• Minimal handling; only racked twice
• Unfined and unfiltered

BARREL AGING
Aged 20 months in French oak (60% new)

ALCOHOL
14.9% by volume

CELLARING
Decant in its youth and enjoy over the next 10 years.

WINEMAKER'S NOTES
Winemaking
Sourced mostly from the cooler, southern part of the Napa Valley, the fruit was hand-picked and triple-sorted before undergoing extended maceration and a long, cool fermentation for increased flavor and color. The wine was aged for 20 months in 60% new French oak and minimally racked before being bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Vintage
The 2008 vintage was a roller coaster ride from start to finish. The growing season started with a historic frost that resulted in some mild crop loss in the cooler areas, particularly with Chardonnay. Record high temperatures in May were abruptly followed by dry winds and then a cool rainy patch. With the lighter crop and warm, dry remainder of the growing season, ripening progressed ideally through harvest. The result is a slightly smaller crop in 2008 with above average to excellent quality.

Tasting Notes
Our 2008 Napa Valley Merlot shows aromas red and blackberry jams with pronounced earth and chocolate notes. This is a bigger style Merlot with great structure that will hold up to grilled red meats and other savory pairings.