Nose
Ripe black cherry aromas are married with the cedary elements from toasted French oak barrel aging.
Palate
Flavors are overwhelmingly ripe and the body is round and rich. The tannins are abundant, but soft and silky in the finish. Only 5% Cabernet Sauvignon adds an element of complexity to the ripe berry medley.
Growing Conditions
The 1998 vintage was a real challenge for the winemakers and it proved to be a test of patience. Late to start and cool throughout most of the ripening season, flavor development arrived with physiological ripening of the grapes well into October and November. For those who waited long enough, the character of the resultant wines are the just reward.
Regions: Napa and Sonoma.
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Harvest
Harvested: Nov. 1998.
Winemaking
Fermentation: Stainless steel.
Aging
French Oak.
Appearance
Our ’98 Merlot is exceptionally dark in color and profoundly extracted to the degree that is usually associated with warmer vintages.
