2001 Reserve Merlot, Sonoma County
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Vintage
2001
Price
$39
Release Date
January 2004
Appellation
Sonoma County
Availability
Select Markets Nationally
Vineyards
- Rose Ranch, Sonoma Valley
Vintage
Each year, as part of our Reserve program, we select the best blocks from the best vineyards, which are then kept separate through the winemaking process until being selected, barrel-by-barrel, for the final blend. The 2001 growing season saw the return of a warmer earlier season following three consecutive vintages noted for their coolness. Bloom enjoyed nearly perfect conditions for fruit set followed by a long, warm summer.
Vinification
Grapes with the finest track record were culled, crushed and cold-soaked on their skins by lot for two days at 55 degrees, then fermented for eight days in stainless steel fermentors at 85 to 95 degrees. Maceration on skins for 14 to 20 days provided maximum extraction. The wines underwent malolactic fermentation and received a total of 19 months barrel aging. The individual lots were blended then bottled in July 2003. Alcohol: 14.5%, Total Acidity: .59, pH: 3.64, Residual Sugar: .04%. Cases produced: 1,521.
Tasting Notes
This is perhaps the best Merlot the winery has produced. It is in a full, complex style. It is velvety in texture, concentrated in flavor, and very well balanced, with a finish that echoes cherry and blackberry fruitiness, spicy oak, tobacco, and herbs.
Terry Nolan, Winemaker