Tasting Notes
Our 2003 Merlot begins with bright aromas of cherry and plum. A soft, round palate unfolds with flavors of cassis, black cherry and vanilla spice. A balanced finish shows long fruit, fine tannins and hints of dark coffee.
Winegrowing Notes
Our 2003 Merlot comes from vineyards in Paso Robles and Santa Ynez Valley. These premier Central Coast appellations boast reciprocating climates of warm afternoons and cool, marine-influenced nights--conditions that are optimal for the cultivation of ripe, full-bodied Merlot.
Winemaking Notes
Regular pumpovers were employed during fermentation for balanced extraction of fruit flavors, color and tannins. After fermentation, the wine was then racked to a combination of French and American oak barrels, where it aged for 18 months. Contributiond of Cabernet Sauvignon (5%) and Cabernet Franc (4%) brought added structure and complexity to the final blend.
Cuisine Pairing
The fruity flavors and full body of our 2003 Merlot make an excellent match for a variety of medium-weight dishes, including roast beef, rack of lamb, grilled swordfish and vegetarian pizza.
About Our Vineyard Select Series
Our Vineyard Select wines celebrate our pioneering commitment to winemaking excellence on California’s Central Coast. For these wines, our winemaking team ventures beyond our estate, working with local growers to source grapes from premier appellations across the Central Coast. These approachable and affordable wines ultimately showcase the Central Coast as one of the world’s most versatile winegrowing regions |
