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Awarded 92 Points ~ justwinepoints.com
BEST OF CLASS, GOLD MEDAL ~ California State Fair
Best of Appellation Award, Silver Medal ~ Appellation America
We are currently sold-out of this wine. We recommend our 2005 3.2 Ton Reserve Merlot as a wonderful alternative. Our Private Reserve Merlot was the original red wine label produced by the winery back in 1982, and is celebrated today as the Estate’s flagship varietal. This wine incorporates only the best Merlot lots from our vineyard, aged separately in the highest quality new French oak barrels until finalizing the optimum blend prior to bottling.
Vintage 2005
The growing season began quite early this year. The soil water table was very full due to all the winter rains, which helped warm the soil and push the buds earlier than average. The large amount of water, as well as a modified pruning method, also contributed to an early and full canopy development for all varietals. In late July, the grapes began to show signs of verasion after quite a few weeks of warmer temperatures. We began harvest in late August with an increased yield overall and nice quality throughout the vineyard.
Cedar and cassis aromas lead to complex flavors of mocha, licorice and rich, ripe berries. A full bodied wine with a nice balance and lingering finish. Enjoy now or age for up to twenty years.
BLEND: 100% Merlot
PH: 3.63
TOTAL ACID: 0.67G / 100ML
ALCOHOL: 14.5%
HARVESTED: SEPTEMBER 2-6, SEPTEMBER 20, 2005
APPELLATION: MONTEREY COUNTY
BARREL AGING: 30 MONTHS, NEW NEVERS MEDIUM TOAST FRENCH OAK FROM COOPER NADALIE VINEYARD: CHÂTEAU JULIEN “ESTATE VINEYARD” IN SOUTH MONTEREY COUNTY SAN ANTONIO VALLEY AVA
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