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Wine Details
Price:
$42.00 per bottle
Description:
With this 2000 vintage, the quality of our Carneros Merlot was of such a high standard that it was bottled as a 100% vineyard designated wine. This wine is blended from four distinct vineyard blocks, all within the Beckstoffer Vineyards; Carneros Lake and Las Amigas Vineyards. Condensed aromas of black cherry, sweet vanilla, crème brulee and raspberry jam are present in this intensely colored Merlot. A broad palate of flavors, with hints of allspice and nutmeg accompany the firm but medium structure. Chocolate and tobacco notes contribute to a rich, well- balanced wine that shows an attractive oak contribution and a polish from the 14 months of bottle age prior to release. As with all Liparita reds, this 2000 Carneros Merlot will reward both current drinking and continue to improve for 5-7 years with cellaring.
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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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