Tasting Notes
Our 2002 Merlot Reserve hails from superior vineyard blocks at our winery estate. The grapes from these blocks were harvested and cellared as individual lots. We later selected the top barrels from these lots and held them for extended aging—all in an effort to craft the finest reserve wine possible. Our 2002 Reserve begins with inviting aromas of blackberry, anise and clove spice, followed by concentrated flavors of plum, cassis, dried cherry and dark chocolate. The texture is smooth and seamless with integrated oak accents and firm, chewy tannins at the finish.
Varietal Composition
Merlot: 90%
Cabernet Franc: 10%
Winemaking
The grapes were hand harvested, destemmed and lightly crushed, then 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. The final blend included a 10-percent contribution of estate Cabernet Franc for enhanced structure.
Appellation
Santa Ynez Valley
Final Analysis
Alcohol: 13.5%
TA: .61
pH: 3.49
Cases Produced
1,008 |
