Tasting Notes
Our 2003 Merlot Reserve is composed of fruit from selected blocks on the Carranza Mesa and Figueroa Terrace areas of our estate. These lots were selected for Reserve production by Winemaker Kevin Willenborg. They were chosen for their exceptional intensity of flavor and structure, and were held for extended aging in French oak barrels to capture the finest expression of the vintage. Our 2003 Merlot Reserve offers intense aromas of plum, chocolate and caramel spice. The plum note continues on the palate, along with flavors of black cherry, dark coffee and mocha. Accents of toasty oak emerge on a deep, integrated finish. The texture is firm and structured, ensuring that this wine will age gracefully for several years.
Varietal Composition
Merlot: 90%
Cabernet Franc: 10%
Winemaking
The 2003 growing season was blessed with warm, steady temperatures throughout the summer and harvest months, ensuring balanced maturation of flavors and tannins. The grapes were hand picked in mid October. After destemming and light crushing, the must was inoculated with slow-fermenting yeast for balanced extraction. Extended maceration was employed for a total of 28 days of skin contact to refine the tannin profile. The wine was aged for 22 months in French oak barrels, of which 75 percent featured new oak. The final blend included a 10 percent contribution of estate Cabernet Franc for enhanced structure and tannin composition.
Appellation
Santa Ynez Valley
Final Analysis
Alcohol 14.5%
TA .70
pH 3.51
Cases Produced
1,463 |
