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Jackson Park Merlot

Jackson Park Merlot Wine Details
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Description: This Merlot is a blend of more than twelve individual blocks within Jackson Park. Supporting Winemaker Francois Cordesse with the selection of these twelve blocks was Pierre Seillan, the renowned consulting winemaker who led the planning, development and planting of Jackson Park in the mid-1990's. The final blend of this hand-selected Merlot offers a vibrant plum, slightly spicy nose that leads into red cherry and black fruit flavor. The Bennett Valley fruit contributes a slight hint of smoke, resulting from basalt, an ancient ocean floor rock found in Bennett Valley soil. Also present are notes of both chocolate and cedar complementing the vibrant fruit flavor. Similar to each of our Estate-grown Merlot wines, the concentration and intensity of Bennett Valley-grown Merlot provides for an exceptionally full mid-palette and, what Francois refers to as a uniquely long Cudali, translated as a ‘finish that continues well after the wine is swallowed.'

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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