Our 2004 Merlot offers a complex bouquet of black fruits, cola and cedar. A rich, smooth texture brings deep flavors of black cherry, plum and mocha. Accents of spice accompany supple tannins on a full, lingering finish.
Winegrowing Notes
Our 2004 Merlot is a blend of fruit from select vineyards in Paso Robles and our own estate in the Santa Ynez Valley. These two Central Coast appellations boast reciprocating climates of warm afternoons and cool, marine-influenced nights--conditions that are optimal for the cultivation of ripe, balanced Merlot.
Winemaking Notes
After fermentation, extended maceration was employed for a total of 21 days of skin contact. The wine was aged primarily in French oak barrels. Smaller portions were matured in American and Hungarian oak barrels for added texture and complexity. The wine was aged for 16 months prior to bottling. A contribution of Cabernet Franc (7%) imparted enhanced structure to the final blend.
Cuisine Pairing
This medium-bodied Merlot pairs well with a wide variety of cuisine. The fruit and spice flavors are a particularly nice match for rack of lamb with rosemary, pasta Bolognese, grilled wine-marinated flank steak and other juicy red meats.
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 |
