Winemaker Notes
This is a complex wine with excellent oak integration, balanced acids, silky tannins and a long, fruity finish. The bouquet is brimming with aromas of raspberry and blackberry followed by distinctive elements of earth, spice and smoked meat. Filled with sweet black fruits and an underlying essence of ripe strawberry, the Estate Grown Merlot also offers enticing accents of warm caramel, vanilla and cream.
Production
The 2003 growing season was marked by a cool, wet spring. As summer approached, carry-over moisture resulted in vigorous vine growth. A heat spike at the early part of flowering caused some shatter that resulted in reduced yields. Summer and early fall were relatively mild; but a flourish of heat at the latter part of harvest accelerated the ripening of fruit. The season ended with an extended mild period, allowing harvest to conclude at a relaxed pace.