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2006 Merlot  The 2006 season was an ideal harvest…never to hot and even consistant temperatures. This allowed us to bring in the fruit at just the right moment, resulting in a full complex Merlot. With the 2006 vintage, we continue our unique tradition of crafting 100% Merlot. The aroma is full of mixed berries and black cherry, with hints of cocoa, cedar,black pepper, and tobacco leaf. On the mouth, vibrant fruit shows off a richly layered mid-palate and lingering black fruit finish. |
Technical Information
Varietal Percentage: 100% Merlot.
Age of vines and soil type: 12-21 year old vines planted in deep volcanic soils.
Date picked: 9/16/06.
Harvest Sugar: 26.6 degrees brix.
Fermentation time/Temperature Range: 12 days, 71-89 F.
Fermentation container/maceration: Open fermentation in small containers, punched down twice a day.
Analysis at bottling
Alcohol: 14.7%
pH: 3.56
TA: .59
V.A.: 0.55 g/L.
R.S.: Dry.
Aging and bottling
Length/type of aging: 22 months in 60 gal Oak barrels: 40% new French Oak, 5% new American Oak, 50% 2 year old French Oak, and 5% 2-4 year old American Oak
Bottled: June 2008.
Approximate lifespan under proper cellar conditions: 15+ years.
Number of cases produced: 470 cases.
Release Date: July 2010.
Winemaker: Andrew T. Schweiger.
