2009 Merryvale Merlot Napa Valley

Description

80% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, 6% Malbec

Tasting Notes

Our 2009 Napa Valley Merlot displays aromas of chocolate, plum and blackberry, with subtle notes of smoked bacon and toast. Although this is a serious and structured Merlot, the tannins are surprisingly soft due to the addition of some plush Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Decant in its youth and enjoy over the next 10 - 15 years.

Winemaking Notes

Sourced mostly from the cooler, southern part of the Napa Valley, the fruit was hand-picked and triple-sorted before undergoing an extended cold soak, with 2 weeks on the skins. After primary fermentation and native malolactic fermentation, the wine was aged for 22 months in 50% new French oak and minimally racked before being bottled unfined and unfiltered.