2007 Merlot (Paso Robles)

Rich briary aromas of blackberry, raspberry, and black cherry accentuated by hints of tobacco and earth emanate from our 2007 Merlot. Lush, ruby red color indicates the level of concentration yielded by the vintage and the vineyards. On the palate, rich flavors mirror the aromas and are complemented by soft, silky tannins on the finish.

Rich briary aromas of blackberry, raspberry, and black cherry accentuated by hints of tobacco and earth emanate from our 2007 Merlot. Lush, ruby red color indicates the level of concentration yielded by the vintage and the vineyards. On the palate, rich flavors mirror the aromas and are complemented by soft, silky tannins on the finish.

Wine Profile

Tasting Notes
"Straightforward smells of sweet cherries and oak are interwoven with touches of dried herbs and spice here, and fruit steps up and takes charge on the palate..." Charles E. Olken, Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine, March 2010

Awards
89 Score - California State Fair Wine Competition 2010 Gold Medal - Lone Star International Wine Competition 2010 Silver Medal - San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2010 Silver Medal - Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo International Wine Competition 2010 Silver Medal - Orange County Fair Wine Competition 2010 Silver Medal - San Diego International Wine Competition 2010 Silver Medal - Central Coast Wine Competition 2010 One Puff / 87 Score - Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine, March 2010

Vineyard Notes
Our 2007 Merlot hails from several vineyards planted in the alluvial soils of the Estrella and Creston Districts and to the sedimentary clays of the Templeton District west of town. Cabernet Franc from the gently rolling loamy soils of our “Terrace Vineyard” is blended to soften and accent the Merlot. The fusion of concentrated fruit-forward Merlot from Paso Robles, married to soft and flowery Cabernet Franc grown on a rigorous well-drained soil, yields a blend with opulent fruit, intriguing complexity, and satisfying structure.

Production
Our 2007 Merlot was produced from grapes picked in mid-September. Maceration lasted 10 days and was assisted by traditional pump-over to amplify color and flavor release. Subsequent to fermentation, the wine was drawn off and the skins pressed. After settling, the wine was racked into French and Eastern European oak barrels where it completed malolactic fermentation and matured for 18 months. Prior to bottling the wine received a final racking to stainless steel where the blend was assembled in preparation for bottling.

Other Notes
89% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc

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