Palate
Dense black fruit
aromas are followed by blueberry and chocolate flavors, and supple tannins on the palate.
Growing Conditions
Napa Valley native and winemaker, Tony Coltrin, brings more than 40 years of winemaking
experience to Oberon, with expertise in sourcing quality fruit from the best vineyards in the
valley and understanding the region’s uniqueness for growing classic Bordeaux varieties. His
long-standing relationships with local growers ensure a consistency in the quality of the grapes
grown in premier Napa Valley sub-appellations for Oberon.
Despite the lack of rain during the spring, Napa Valley had an excellent growing season and a
harvest that provided an abundance of quality grapes. From spring bud break, through
flowering, fruit set, and ripening, conditions were ideal. A consistent stretch of warm summer
weather with a few large heat spikes, and plenty of cool and foggy nights, helped to ripen grapes
our Oberon grapes to perfection.
To create Oberon Merlot, Tony sourced grapes from Napa Valley’s renowned Oakville district.
The deeper alluvial soils along with the perfect balance of cool mornings and warm afternoons
make this are the perfect location for for growing Bordeaux varietals.
Blend: 89.8% Merlot, 9.8% Syrah, 0.4% Other varieties
Winemaking
To naturally soften tannins and enhance varietal complexity, Tony allowed the grapes to undergo
extended maceration. He then pressed the wine and transferred it to French oak barrels (45%
new oak) to undergo a long malolactic fermentation for roundness and depth. Using Syrah as a
blender, adds a dark velvety feel to lush berry flavor profile of the Merlot.
