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Wine Details
Price:
$15.00 per bottle
Description:
The 2002 California Merlot is our very first release and a proud accomplishment. It is an opulent blend of 18% French Camp Syrah from Paso Robles and 82% Merlot from the Mencarini Vineyards in Lodi. On the nose, this Merlot opens with slightly toasty and smoky aromas and continues with ripe Bing cherries and plums. With further aeration of the wine, the aroma profile develops with the addition of some mineral notes, classic varietal Merlot “dustiness” and slightly earthy nuances. The mouth feel is well balanced and remarkably soft for a young wine, and the finish is medium to long with overall fruit impression.
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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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Syrah:
Syrah is the eight hundred pound gorilla of Rhone grapes! In the vineyard and the winery, Syrah is typically an easy grape to work with - healthy, early ripening, resistant to mildew and rot; suitable for winemaking in a variety of styles. The wines from Syrah are tannic without being harsh. The wines will have a taste and smell of dark blue fruit like blackberries and blackcurrant, with a strong spicy side where one can find freshly ground pepper and other spices. Syrah is famous for its part in the French blends, such as Côtes du Rhone and Châteauneuf du Pape.
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