The grapes for the Rutherford Merlot were sourced from our Rutherford estate vineyard. The estate vineyard is known for gravelly alluvial fan soils with good drainage, creating more intense flavors. Vineyards are monitored throughout the growing season to balance crop size and quality. Leaf removal in early summer and cluster thinning at time of veraison achieves evenly ripened grapes with concentrated flavors.
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Winemaking
The wine spent 16-18 months in French oak with 45% in new oak barrels.
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Nose
Cabernet-like in structure, our Rutherford Merlot displays aromas of ripe plum and espresso bean aromatically accented with hints of mulled spices.
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Palate
Earthy on the palate, the wine displays a medium to full body with lush, red fruits and smooth tannins that coat the mouth before culminating in a long, delicious finish.
