91 Points – California State Fair
The 2007 R. Merlo Estate Vineyard Syrah is a big and richly dark wine that has a refined balance and an elegant nature. Fully ripe blueberries, black cherries, and dried currants are the forward flavors supported by characters of Italian roasted espresso, stoutly porters, and Mediterranean spices. Rich yet balanced, with good acidity, this wine has great presence, with a finish that goes on and on. Perfect with Texas spice rubbed and grilled Porter-House steak, Potato Gnocchi pasta and tossed Mediterranean peasant salad. Try it with dessert of fig and raspberry cobbler a la French vanilla mode. At just $19.99 and free shipping on 5 or more, now is the time stock to up on this perfect summertime red.
WINEMAKER’S NOTES
The 2007 season in Hyampom Valley of Trinity County California made well balanced, bright, and refined wines. Spring came in cold and continued to bloom. This coolness facilitated a naturally low yielding season in turn made more concentrated flavored wines than normal. Summer was mild and constantly even in temperature. Consistent with other seasons, 2007 Summer has warm to hot days and very cool nights which preserved the natural acids in the grapes and thus brightened the rich flavors of this vintage. Tannins of this year for the red wines turned out to be smoother than normal and less tannic which balanced out the elegance of our wines. Overall, 2007 was an excellent consistently smooth season which yielded concentrated well balanced wines which enabled us to continue our family legacy of making small lots of honest hand crafted wines that accentuates varietal characters.
Grape Source: Hyampom Valley Ranch, Trinity County, CA
Aging: 14 months in 50% French and 50% American oak (20% new oak)
Acid/pH: .60 / 3.58
Harvest Brix: 25.3
Residual Sugar: 0.2%
Alcohol Content: 14.4%
Bottling Date: September 2009
Production: 1,500 Cases
95 Points
Rich and full-bodied, packed with dark fruit flavors of blackberry, ripe plum, and dark cherry. Notes of cocoa, cedar, and warm spice add complexity, while firm tannins and a touch of volcanic minerality reflect the bold characteristics of Calistoga’s terroir. Full-bodied in texture, and remarkably velvety. The tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit.
92 Points
Deep floral notes (violets), blackberry, black cherry, and cassis. Driven by the mountain's steep, cool-climate terroir, it balances rich notes of blackberry and pomegranate seamlessly intertwined with dark plum, cocoa dust, and roasted mocha, hints of roasted mocha and spice undertones add depth to its complex profile, culminating in a bold, yet elegant finish.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
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