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Napa Valley Merlot

Napa Valley Merlot Wine Details
Price: $40.00 per bottle

Description: Grapes were harvested at an average 25.5° Brix, fermented in stainless steel tanks, then aged 18 months in a combination of new French oak barrels (30%) and older French oak (70%), before being bottled in August 2003. The blending of different Napa Valley vineyards has created a classic Merlot with fruit forward intensity. Complex notes of chocolate, graphite, coffee and cinnamon end in a rich, intense velvety finish.

Varietal Definition
Merlot:
Merlot is known as a Noble Bordeaux varietal. Although it came to France in the first century, it was not named until the 1880s. Merlot was originally used only for blending, as it is soft and compliant, very useful in softening other Bordeaux wines like Cabernets. Recently in California and Chile it became popular as a 100% varietal wine. Merlot tends to be easier to grow in a variety of soil conditions and is harvested earlier in the year than Cabernet. Although most Merlots are made to be drunk earlier, there are many with complexities of a Cabernet. Flavors of plum, black cherry, violet, chocolate and orange pair well with rich, red pasta dishes, hearty chicken dishes, and any beef combination that you fancy. The perfect match of course is chocolate. Not only does the chocolate compliment the wine and vice-versa, but the essence of both flavors linger eternally.


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