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upcoming September 2011 issue
Wine Info
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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 partners, aged separately in the highest quality new French oak barrels until finalizing the optimum blend prior to bottling.
Vintage
It was an extremely dry year. Overall the yields were down about 10%, which is most likely due to the low availability of water in the soil profile this year. (We received only 4” of rain when we normally receive about 13”). Reduced cluster weight can be an indication of increased flavor as the berries are smaller.
Winemaker Notes
Shows ripe flavors of blackberries, currants and cedar on the palate with nice tannin structure through the finish. This full bodied wine has a beautiful rich, dark color with complexity and texture to age for up to twenty years. Super with braised lamb shanks, short ribs or hearty spiced lentils.
Click Here for Chef Terry N. Teplitzky's recipe pairing - 2007 Private Reserve Merlot
Press
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Dark ruby color. An enticing nose of spicebox leads to aromas and flavors of ripe black fruits. Full-bodied yet supple, it sports mild, chocolately tannins on the finish. It will complement a number of foods, from nutty aged cheeses to charred red meats. The structure should offer drinking pleasure through 2018.
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Exotic aromas of cherry cola, melted toffee, thyme, and pomegranate-mint gelato with a silky fruity medium-to-full body and a lively blueberry compote, dried meat, and spiced nut accented finish. A really fresh and fun merlot that will shine from every angle at every occasion.
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Black cherry and blackberries aromas mingle with notes of anise, chocolate, and coffee on the nose. A sip reveals flavors of cherry, blackberries, and strawberries along with suggestions of mocha, licorice, and oak. Layered, supple, and balanced, it is a fine example of what a Merlot can be.
Wine Info
