2000 Merlot, Sonoma County
Vintage
2000
Price
$19
Release Date
September 2002
Appellation
Sonoma County
Availability
Select Markets Nationally
Vineyards
- Dry Creek - Lago di Merlo, Polesky & Mariani Vineyards
- Carneros - Ricci & Sangiacomo Vineyards
- Sonoma Valley - Serres, Sunny Slope, La Vigna, Rancho Salina & Rose Vineyards
- Alexander Valley - Wattle Creek, Ramazotti, Blue Rock & Pusich Vineyards
- Mendocino - McNab Ranch & Feliz Creek Vineyards
- Sonoma County - Fairview Vineyards
- Sonoma Mountain - Benziger Estate
Download
- Wine Notes [.pdf 18k]
Vintage
Vintage 2000 provided us with excellent Merlot. The growing season began with the warmest winter on record, which gave way to a very warm spring punctuated by a record heat spell in mid June. The warm weather moved us two to three weeks ahead of schedule. A more temperate summer followed, allowing the grapes to ripen evenly. The long, drawn out Merlot harvest yielded extremely high quality fruit giving us wine with tremendous body and texture.
Vinification
Mountain grown and Carneros grapes were hand picked, fermented in closed fermenters and pumped over two to three times per day. The fermentations lasted 12 to 20 days at temperatures in the low 80's to low 90's. Wines were aged in American and French oak for at least 15 months. In the summer of 2001 a base blend representing about 60% of the final blend was racked, blended and returned to barrel until final assemblage in February 2002 for bottling in March 2002. This selection process allows the wine to marry while in the cellar and lengthens the blending process to be sure that only those wines that improve the overall blend are used. Alcohol 13.5%, Total acidity .58, pH 3.6, Residual sugar .05.
Tasting Notes
Aromas of blackberry, black pepper and tobacco give way to flavors of blackberry, chocolate and mint. The wine shows a rich middle mouthfeel, soft tannins and a long, creamy finish. A harmonious complement to rich foods, our 2000 Merlot drinks well upon release and for up to 5 years.