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Wine Details
Price:
$30.00 per bottle
Description:
This single vineyard Alexander Valley Merlot came from the northern edge of our Red Winery Road Vineyard. It was harvested three days after our Cabernet Sauvignon, on September 23. It was pressed after eight days on the skins, and aged for 20 months in 45 percent new French oak. This is not an easy, jammy Merlot. It is balanced, dry, and spicy, with good color and arresting, complex fruit. The nose has a lovely wildflower character, and the French Oak barrels give a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg on the palate.
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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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