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Merlot, Yountville, Napa Valley

Merlot, Yountville, Napa Valley Wine Details
Price: $34.00 per bottle

Description: Already recognized as a stellar vintage, 2001 was an ideal growing season in Napa Valley. Dry winter conditions preceded a long growing season, allowing the grapes to ripen at their own pace and provide balanced, concentrated, flavorful fruit. It was the type of growing season during which additional nuances of flavor and concentration developed, making 2001 a truly exceptional vintage.

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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