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A select lot from the vineyard was pruned and cluster thinned to 3.2 tons/acre specifically for this special Merlot. A big, bold
hearty Merlot for the red wine enthusiast.
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 is created exclusively from our Estate Vineyard, where a small lot of Merlot was pruned and cluster thinned back to 3.2 tons per acre. This small, exclusive bottling highlights intense varietal fruit, carefully crushed, and aged in the highest quality new French oak barrels. Vintage
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. Winemaker Notes
Full-bodied with raspberry and Bing cherry accented by notes of clove and toasted oak. A supple, round finish lingers on the palate. Enjoy now or age for up to twenty years. BLEND: 79.2% MERLOT, 1.7% MALBEC, 19.1% CABERNET SAUVIGNON PH: 3.60 TOTAL ACID: 0.65G / 100ML ALCOHOL: 14.7% HARVESTED: SEPTEMBER 6, 2005 APPELLATION: MONTEREY COUNTY
BARREL AGING: 30 MONTHS, NEW NEVERS MEDIUM TOAST FRENCH OAK FROM COOPER NADALIE VINEYARD: CHÂTEAU JULIEN “ESTATE VINEYARD” INSOUTH MONTEREY COUNTY SAN ANTONIO VALLEY AVA
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