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Proprietor's Merlot

Proprietor's Reserve Merlot Wine Details
Price: $30.00 per bottle

Description: The 2002 Reserve Merlot has been chosen from selected barrels, representing three different vineyards. The vineyards include Aldercreek Vineyards, Bailey Vineyards and our own Maryhill Estate Vineyards (Gunkel). Having aged for 18 months on 100% French oak this wine shows classic Merlot varietal characteristics. Chocolate covered cherries, espresso and a hint of smoke are framed in a firm tannin structure.

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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