Merlot
Upcoming Release
- Vintage: 2005
- Appellation: Napa Valley
- Composition: 96% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc
- Bottle sizes: 750 ml, 1.5 L magnum, 3 L double magnum, 6 L imperial
- Release Date: September 1, 2008
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Our 2005 Twomey Merlot is a voluptuous, robust and balanced expression of this noble variety. It has a deep garnet color and an intensely concentrated nose of black cherry, blackberry essence, wild game and freshly ground black pepper. On the palate, it is full-bodied and velvety, with fine-grained tannins and an
extremely long finish. This Merlot will continue to give drinking pleasure through 2018.
Acclaimed food writer Janet Fletcher recommends Abbaye de Belloc, a sheep's milk cheese, with our 2005 Merlot ... Read More
Vintage Description
The 2005 growing season began with a rainy spring. This led to a late budbreak and vigorous shoot growth. The weather at bloom was perfect and resulted in a generous crop that matured evenly as the summer progressed. The late summer and fall were moderate, and this further prolonged ripening. Extended time on the vines allowed the grapes to develop deep color and great concentration at relatively low alcohol levels.
Blending and Aging
The wine was aged for 16 months in 65% new and 35% once and twiceused French oak barrels with thin staves that allow gentle aeration.
