The 2008 growing season has produced a particularly complex and complete expression of Napa Valley Merlot, combining bright, lifted red fruit elements with darker, more extracted layers. This depth is on display in the aromatics, where notes of Asian spice, red currant, plum and blueberry crisp are supported by a subtle streak of earthiness. The palate is both velvety and balanced, with flavors that echo the aromas. These flavors are held together by granular tannins and accented by oak-inspired notes of molasses and nougat.
Though the 2008 growing season presented certain challenges—from early frosts to drought conditions—a meticulous approach to viticulture and sorting yielded small crops with good concentration, highlighting soft, appealing tannins for our red varietals and bright acidity for our white grapes. A long, moderately cool summer led to a harvest that commenced in mid-August and concluded in early November. This relatively relaxed pace allowed us to pick in numerous passes to ensure quality, often focusing on individual rows or a single side of the vines.
Appellation: Napa Valley
Harvest Dates: September 2 — October 31, 2008
Average Sugar at Harvest: 25.5° Brix
Varietal Content
86% Merlot
9.5% Cabernet Sauvignon
3.5% Petit Verdot
1% Cabernet Franc
Cooperage
100% French Oak Château-style Barrels (60 Gallons)
Barrel Aging: 16 Months
Age of Barrels: 20% new, 80% second vintage
Alcohol: 14.5%
0.65 g/100 ml titratable acidity
8-10 days fermentation at 80°F
pH: 3.52
Bottled: May 2010
Release Date: January 2011
92 Points
Shows the soft, mellow feeling a fine Merlot should possess, although it’s certainly tannic enough, in the Duckhorn style. More>
91 Points - 2 Puffs
It is at this point more solid than it is succulent in nature, but, make no mistake, this is a deep and solidly built wine that comes with the guarantee of a complex and stylish future. More>
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