1996 Merlot, Sonoma County
Vintage
1996
Price
$16
Release Date
May 1999
Appellation
Sonoma County
Availability
Select Markets Nationally
Vineyards
- Alexander Valley - Raggio, Wasson, Blue Rock, Lile, Parker & Pusich, Ash Creek
- Dry Creek - Weinstock & Sandhu
- Sonoma Valley - Sunny Slope, Rancho Salina and Ledon & Serres
- Mendocino - Bells Echo
- Santa Maria - Bien Nacido
- Russian River - Leveroni, Sangiacomo & El Noviliero, Carneros, Lone Oak
- Monterey - Benziger Family Ranch, Sonoma Mountain, Hat
- Paso Robles - Shell Creek
Grapes
- 79% Merlot
- 10.5 Cabernet Sauvignon
- 3.5% Cabernet Franc
- 4.5% Petite Sirah
Vintage
The 1996 was an early vintage, hastened by a heat wave in early October. But with stringent irrigation, Benziger was able to prolong the growing season by two weeks and was thus able to harvest mature, ripe fruit characterized by good balance and great texture, particularly in the middle palate.
Vinification
28 lots were culled from 22 ranches and fermented at temperatures ranging from 78° to 90° Fahrenheit in open and closed-top fermentors for between seven and fifteen days, then aged, 80% in American and 20% in French new and used oak barrels, for 15 months. The wines were blended, then bottled in February, 1998. Alcohol 13.5%, total acidity .65, pH 3.54, residual sugar .09. 31,600 cases produced.
Tasting Notes
Bright cherry and plum in the nose with hints of bramble, spice, coffee, tobacco, and toasty vanillin. This is a well structured merlot that is soft and supple with a silky finish. Lovely now but will continue to improve for five or more years.