Technical Notes from the Estate

•Harvested: September 28 to October 5, 2008
•Vineyards: Pahlmeyer Waters Ranch & Rancho Chimiles
•Bottled: April 22, 2009
•Composition: 89% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon
•Alcohol: 15.2%
•Winemaker: Erin Green

Winemaking Notes

The grape clusters were hand-sorted, and once de-stemmed, the berries were sorted again by hand on the way to tank. After four to five days of pre-fermentation cold maceration in small open-top fermentors, the fruit began 100% native wild yeast fermentation. Two to three weeks later, the fruit was gently pressed and moved to barrel where it finished primary and secondary fermentations. The wine continued to aged in 75% new French oak – a combination of Taransaud and St. Martin barrels – for eighteen months. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Tasting Notes

“The complex and mouthwatering nose features blackberry compote, black raspberry and milk chocolate. Juicy yet firmly structured with sweet tannins, this focused wine is approachable young yet will evolve gracefully with time. A complete wine in every way.” – Erin Green, Winemaker

http://www.pahlmeyer.com/documents/2007MerlotFactSheet_003.pdf

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