Winemaker's Notes86% Merlot, 9% Syrah, and 5% Petite Sirah
Our 2009
Merlot is the star of the vintage. The fruit was very late to ripen, but
that is the case in the best European vintages also. Big, rich color.
Full blackberry, currant, and plum nose. The flavors are in the dark
fruit range. Full tannin and rich, supple mouth are very lush. Big and
bold with lots of smoky, toasty oak. Long and lingering finish. In
crafting this wine, we chose exceptional 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 5% Petite Sirah 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 barbecued chicken, spaghetti bolognese,
wild mushroom risotto, or a perfectly grilled burger.
