ORIGIN: In the 1980s, we planted a small, eight-acre parcel in Carneros as one of the first narrow-spaced vineyards in Napa Valley. Within a decade we created our Merlot, Napa Valley - Carneros in very limited quantities. We are pleased to continue this tradition of estate-grown Merlot with the release of the current vintage. The 2006 blend consists of 98% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Malbec.
VINEYARD: Located at the southern corner of Napa Valley, Carneros soils are diverse due to a complex geological and climatic history heavily influenced by the San Pablo Bay. Our sloping estate vineyards contain 1,520 vines per acre and feature rootstock 5C, which produces a shallow rooting vine suited for the heavy clay loam soils in Carneros. The cool growing season develops complexity and intensity. Our Merlot is grown from a clone hand-selected in Pomerol, France.
WINEMAKING: The grapes were hand picked in early October, 2005 and lightly crushed, leaving a percentage of whole berries. The wine underwent 23 to 31 days of extended maceration and was pumped over traditionally. This wine was aged for 15 months in new, medium-plus toasted French oak barrels, It was neither fined nor filtered prior to bottling in March, 2007.
TASTING NOTES: The 2006 Carneros Merlot has a pronounced nose of warm black and red cherry, nuanced with intriguing hints of white pepper, cola, tobacco and espresso. On the palate, ripe flavors of red cherry dominate, though deeper flavors of dark chocolate, briar spice, green tea and candied cinnamon remind one of the complexity our low-yield fruit offers. Creamy, soft tannins keep the structure firm and add to the mouthfeel while juicy acidity prolongs the intense fruit flavors. Enjoy now or cellar for up to eight years.
This wine is only available through Pine Ridge Vineyards.
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