Wine Notes [PDF]

2004 Merlot, Sonoma County
Alcohol 13.5%  |  Total Acidity .58  |  pH: 3.64 

WINEMAKING | We handpicked fruit for this Merlot in mountain, hillside, benchland and valley floor vineyard sites from Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley to Carneros. Wines from the different vineyards were aged in American and French oak for 17 months. Vinifying and aging the wines separately allows the wine to marry while in the cellar and ensures only those wines that improve the overall blend are used. The wine was bottled in August of 2006. 

VINTAGE | Warm weather jump-started the 2004 growing season, but cooler temperatures followed, promoting an extended spring bloom. Long bloom can affect the uniformity of red grapes, which in turn can cause clusters to ripen unevenly. In our vineyards, we green drop (remove grapes while they are still green) to balance the crop, promote uniformity and eliminate late ripening fruit at the end of veraison (when grape color changes). Summer was moderate without any heat waves, but by the end of July it was clear we could expect an early harvest. Unusually low humidity and high temperatures in late August and September sent grape sugar soaring before flavors had matured. But our growers were able to manage their vineyards so that by the end of September, we had harvested an outstanding vintage. With some of the best overall quality in years, the 2004 vintage produced grapes with ripe and well-developed flavors.
 
TASTING NOTES | Softly textured and rich in flavor, this Merlot is supple and full-bodied. Aromas evoke dark fruit and pepper with robust flavors of current, anise and overripe plum. Our 2004 Merlot makes an excellent pairing alongside lamb risotto, pot roast, or roasted eggplant.

BENZIGER FARMING PRACTICES | At Benziger Family Winery, we are dedicated to winemaking that reveals the true character of the vineyard, the varietal and the vintage in certified-sustainable, -organically grown and-Biodynamic® wines defined by individuality and the passion of the people who make them. Through our commitment to natural farming and environmentally and socially responsible business practices, we strive for sustainability and the preservation of our Sonoma Mountain family winery for generations to come.

This wine was made with grapes grown by sustainable farming methods. (With the 2007 vintage, this wine will be certified sustainable.) Our sustainable philosophy promotes natural vineyard management, restoration of the land and biodiversity on the estate. We believe these practices result in wines that reflect the authentic flavors, aromas and character of the vineyard.