Napa Valley cradles the vineyards that first won California its
reputation for world-class wines. With vines sheltered from
Pacific Ocean winds by the Mayacamas Mountains, its
Merlot grapes bask in the sunshine of long summer days and
develop ripe, luscious flavors of blackberry, cassis and cherry.
“Rich and generous,
with opulent, ripe fruit flavors.”
2002
ALC. 13.5% BY VOL.
The 2002 vintage was an especially favorable year for Merlot
in Napa Valley. The cool spring was followed by a summer of
mild temperatures, which encouraged even ripening of the grapes. A heat spike just before Labor Day pushed
the grapes to their prime, and the Merlot harvest began in September. Fruit from the 2002 vintage is
recognized for its ripe flavors and good acid balance. Wine Spectator has speculated that Napa’s “2002 Merlots
could turn out to be among the state’s best ever.”
The grapes used in this wine are from many small vineyards throughout the
Napa Valley. Roughly half the grapes are from the areas of Northern Napa
Valley around Calistoga and St. Helena - near Bear Creek and Ehlers Lane.
The remaining grapes originate from areas around the Oakville Cross and
the benches and western hills of the Oakville Appellation and Rutherford.
COMPOSITION
The grapes were all picked at physiological maturity, ranging from 24. 5 to
26.0 Brix. The wine was allowed to complete malo-lactic fermentation in
barrels and was aged for 16 months in 50/50 French/American Oak Barrels.
Merlot 86%
Cabernet Franc 6%
Petite Verdot 2%
Cabernet Sauvignon 3%
Syrah 3%
Alcohol:
13.5%
This Merlot’s deep plum cast alludes to ripe, lush flavors of berries and
orchard fruit. Decadent aromas of currant, black cherry and chocolate
precede intense flavors of blueberry and blackberry. The wine’s tannins are
toned and balanced, and its flavors unfold with a long, smooth, velvety
texture, garnished with mocha and a tart touch of raspberry on the finish.
This savory Merlot would perfectly complement dishes of roast pork, beef
or lamb.
