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2005 Merlot  The 2005 season was an ideal harvest...never to hot...even consistant temperatures. This allowed us to bring in the fruit at just the right moment, resulting in a full complex Merlot. With the 2005 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, and hazelnut. 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: 11-20 year old vines planted in deep volcanic soils.
Date picked: 9/25/05.
Harvest Sugar: 24.5 degrees brix.
Fermentation time/Temperature Range: 9 days, 62-93 F.
Fermentation container/maceration: Open fermentation in small containers, punched down twice a day.
Analysis at bottling
Alcohol: 14.2%
pH: 3.58
TA: 6.20
V.A.: 0.052 g/100ml.
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 2007.
Approximate lifespan under proper cellar conditions: 15+ years.
Number of cases produced: 260 cases.
Release Date: April 2009.
Winemaker: Andrew T. Schweiger.
