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Wine Details
Price:
$60.00 per bottle
Description:
The cooler-than-usual weather in late September and October allowed the later-maturing Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon vines to develop tannins and flavors to optimum ripeness. Natural acid levels are the key to health and longevity in a wine, and the acidity of the 2002 HdV Red wine is remarkable. Waiting for these conditions was important in 2002, and the rewards were concentrated fruit flavors, mature tannins, and firm natural acidity.
The marriage of Merlot vines to Carneros clay soils gives, year after year, wines with firm structure and fine tannins. These wines need several years of ageing before reaching maturity.
Thanks to the maturity of the grapes, careful fruit sorting and patient fermentation, our HdV Red shows layers of black cherry fruit and a gentle sweetness. This distinctive profile gives to the immediate drinker a key to appreciate the young wine. The combination of sweet spices, firm tannins and a solid frame of acidity contribute to the long finish of the wine. However, like the 2001, the 2002 HdV Red will prove its full potential within the next two to ten years.
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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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Cabernet Sauvignon:
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely planted and significant among the five dominant varieties in France’s Bordeaux region, as well as the most successful red wine produced in California. Though it was thought to be an ancient variety, recent genetic studies at U.C. Davis have determined that Cabernet Sauvignon is actually the hybrid offspring of Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc. Cabernet Sauvignon berries are small with black, thick and very tough skin. This toughness makes the grapes fairly resistant to disease and spoilage and able to withstand some autumn rains with little or no damage. It is a mid to late season ripener. These growth characteristics, along with its flavor appeal have made Cabernet Sauvignon one of the most popular red wine varieties worldwide.
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