2006 California Merlot
Our 2006 vintage displays classic Merlot attributes: bright, ripe black
cherry and plum aromas with subtle notes of spice and chocolate; soft,
juicy, balanced flavors; and a smooth, supple texture with well-rounded
tannins and bright acidity. The wine’s exceptional character comes from
choice Central Coast grapes, primarily from Monterey County, a region that
provides the temperate climate, cool breezes and moist alluvial soils that
Merlot loves. We blended the Merlot with 19% Syrah for added color and
richness, and enhanced the wine’s pure fruit flavors with just a hint of oak
for roundness and complexity. Enjoy this wine with wild mushroom pizza,
spaghetti Bolognese, Cornish game hens, grilled beef or lamb shanks.
2006 HARVEST
The 2006 growing season was one of the coolest and most drawnout
in recent memory. Plentiful spring rainfall and atypical cool summer
temperatures delayed the harvesting of some varieties by as much as four
weeks. The benefit was that most varieties were able to ripen slowly and
evenly, enabling growers to harvest their fruit with an excellent balance of
sugar and acidity and well-developed flavors. Overall, yields were down
appreciably from 2005, further enhancing the concentration of grape and
wine flavors.
VITICULTURE
Approximately 79% of the grapes for our 2006 Merlot came from
vineyards in the Monterey County American Viticultural Area (AVA), with
9% being sourced from warmer North Coast regions. 2006 Merlots from
California’s Central Coast displayed very good color and were extremely
expressive wines.
WINEMAKING
After we gently crushed and destemmed the fruit, we fermented the must
in temperature-controlled tanks at 85°F. Following fermentation, the wine
was left on the skins for 12 days to soften tannins and develop complexity.
Malolactic fermentation enhanced roundness and depth. Aging in tank and
barrel (20% new French oak) for 14 months retained the wine’s vibrant fruit
character while adding richness and complexity and softening tannins.
Varietal Composition
80% Merlot, 19% Syrah, 1% Petite Sirah
Appellation
79% Monterey County, 9% North Coast,
6% Santa Barbara County, 6% Paso Robles
Oak Aging: 14 months
TA: 6.1g/100ml
pH: 3.54
Alcohol: 13.5%