2005 Alexander Valley Merlot

From our Laurelwood vineyard, our full-bodied Merlot is crafted in a rich, elegant style. Classic aromas of Black Cherries, Plums, Cassis, and spice reward our senses. The finely structured tannins are enjoyable now for those who are tempted but this young wine will reward those with cellaring patience.

SILVER Medal - 2008 Columbus Wine Competition
BRONZE Medal - 2008 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

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About This Wine:

Click here for a downloadable version of the Winemaker's Notes.

Wine Profile:

Vintage:	2005
Wine Type:	Bold Red Wine
Varietal:	Merlot
Appellation:	Alexander Valley
Harvest Date:	September 12, 2005
Sugar:	27.0 brix average at harvest
Acid:	6.5g/L
PH:	3.62
Aging:	15 months in barrel
Bottling Date:	February 21, 2007
Alcohol %:	13.9

Tasting Notes:

Classic aromas of black cherries, plums, cassis and spice reward our senses. The finely structured tannins are enjoyable now for those who are tempted, but this young wine will reward those with cellaring patience.

Vineyard Notes:

Our Laurelwood block is and eastern facing hilside vineyard, carved just below a grove of redwood trees. The vines benefit from the morning sun and are protected from the fierce afternoon rays. This particular block consists of well-drained Hugo loam soils and is planted to Merlot clone 181 on 101-14 rootstock using a bilateral cordon trellis system.

Production Notes:

We allow the grapes to cold soak for several days and then fermented the fruit in two different tanks using two different cap management techniques. One tank utilized a sub-merged cap system with daily pump-overs while the other tank was gently punched down 2-3 times a day. After fermentation is completed, the wine is transferred to a combination of French and Central European oak barrels (50% new and 50% neutral) and allowed to age for 15 months. The result of all this diversity gives us a wine of immense complexity, depth of fruit and structure.

Winemaker Notes:

2005 was characterized as a long, moderate season which allowed for even ripening of fruit throughout spring and summer. The moderate temperatures allowed for extended hang time as we weren’t battling any heat spells and the resulting surge of Brix that can forces an early harvest before full flavors are achieved.

Production:

708 cases

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