Palate
Undulating layers of supple flavors, ranging from fresh strawberry to graphite, raspberry, black cherry and bitter cocoa, dance on the palate. This wine is our classic “Cab-lover’s Merlot,” even bigger and silkier than our estate offering, and is poised to evolve over the next decade and beyond.
Growing Conditions
The hits from the much-awaited 2007 vintage continue to roll out. Our Vintner Select Merlot, crafted from 100% Clone 3 Merlot from our aromatic and unctuous Lower Mountain Top vineyard block (the same block that is used as the Merlot component in our Reserve Claret), is an in-house favorite. Across the board, our 2007 vintage wines express pure varietal character paired with tremendous ageability, and are classic examples of the Pride terroir.
Bottling
Bottled: July 2009.
Winemaking
Fermentation: Stainless steel.
Aging
Cooperage: French Oak.
