90 Points - Wine Enthusiast
Vintage: We enjoyed a wonderful growing season from start to finish in 2012. A gentle spring allowed for textbook flowering and fruit set, followed by a long procession of warm, sunny days with no nasty heat spikes. Thanks to the excellent weather, the longer-thanaverage growing season produced perfectly balanced and ripe grapes.
Vineyard: This cool climate Merlot is grown in our vineyards in southern Napa Valley, within sight of the San Francisco Bay. We blended in a small amount of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from our warmer upper Napa Valley vineyards to craft a complex, balanced wine. Committed to natural winegrowing and sustainability, we farm our five estate vineyards without artificial fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides and they are certified organic.
The Wine: This is a Cabernet lover’s Merlot! Its bright flavors of strawberries, cherries, licorice and a hint of coffee are wrapped in a velvety texture that make your taste buds ask for more! The wine’s firm tannins and vibrant acidity create the perfect partner with beef tenderloin, rack of lamb, duck and barbecued pork.
Varietal: 95% Merlot, 5% Cab. Sauvignon
Appellation: Napa Valley Estate
Harvest date: Sept. 26 - Oct. 21, 2012
Sugar: 25.6 Brix (average)
Fermentation: indigenous yeast
Total acid: 5.7 g/L
pH: 3.68
Aging: 18 months
Type of oak: French oak barrels; 30% new; 70% neutral
Bottling date: March 27, 2014
Release date: December 2015
All Wines
Violet black in color with aromas of rich fruity dark berries, honeycomb, vanilla, and hints of forest floor join together with bold flavors of black cherry, and spiced nut. Balanced oak, layered palette, leaving you with a enjoyable persistent finish.
Big & Jammy!
Aromas and robust flavors of dark cherry, blackberries, mocha, espresso and hints of black pepper. Incredibly balanced with a smooth mouthfeel and body against a backdrop of structured tannins. The wine unfolds with notes of clove and dried herbs, ending with a long rich finish.
Rich & Luxurious!
Beautiful ruby color and opens with aromas of bright red plum and raspberry, cassis, and a touch of mint. The tannins are soft yet structured, and complemented by vibrant acidity, with hints of clove and baking spice from the oak aging. The wine ends with a long, smooth finish and lingering intensity encouraging you to enjoy another juicy sip.
Rich & Tropical...
Notes of tropical and ripe stone fruits, with aromas of fig, golden apple and hints of butterscotch, integrated with the richer aromas of light caramel, truffle and toasted vanilla from the oak aging. The palate and texture is rich, full-bodied and creamy, while maintaining a balanced vibrancy and finish.
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