1997 Merlot, Sonoma County
Vintage
1997
Price
$17
Release Date
May 1999
Appellation
Sonoma County
Availability
Select Markets Nationally
Vineyards
- Dry Creek - Weinstock
- Alexander Valley - Blue Rock, Wasson, Ash Creek, Parker, Pusich, Wattle Creek an
- Sonoma Valley - Sunny Slope, Rancho Salina, Ledson, Benziger Sonoma Valley Estat
- Mendocino - Bells Echo and Feliz Creek Vineyard
- Santa Maria - Bien Nacido
- Carneros - Sangiacomo, Ricci and El Noviliero
- Russian River - Lone Oak
- Sonoma Mountain - Benziger Sonoma Mountain Estate
- Monterey - Hat
- Paso Robles - Shell Creek
Grapes
- 83.5% Merlot
- 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
- 3.5% Syrah
- 1.5% Petit Verdot
- 1.5% Petite
Vintage
The 1997 harvest came after another warm growing season, one which started two to three weeks earlier than usual and finished early. The dry warm summer and early fall made for accelerated ripening and in the case of this Merlot - fruit with exceptionally well developed fruit for such an early harvest. This Merlot reveals some of the most remarkably concentrated, ripe fruit flavors that we have seen in recent vintages.
Vinification
Thirty-five lots were culled from 28 ranches and fermented at temperatures ranging from 78° to 90° Fahrenheit in open and closed-top fermentors for seven to fifteen days, then aged for 14 months, 80% in American and 20% in French new and used oak barrels. The wines were blended, then bottled in April 1999. Alcohol 13.5%, total acidity .58, pH 3.54, residual sugar .09. 39, 700 cases produced.
Tasting Notes
Aromas are of bright cherry, spice, toast and sweet earth, while flavors are of boysenberry and cassis. Brimming with bright, well-devloped fruit, this Merlot is full-bodied, with soft, chalky, well-integrated tannins and a long, spicy finish. Lovely now but will continue to improve for five or more years.