425 Cases Produced
General Statement: Made from estate grown fruit, this wine is 100% Merlot. This year the Merlot had more tannins and produced a much more robust and heady wine. The nose is full of rose and cherry with hints of allspice. The wine boasts strong body with blackberry, cherry fruit and black pepper, fig and raisin. The finish lingers with tobacco and black olive. This wine is a little hot upon opening. Hence, we recommend decanting the wine to unlock the flavors and tame the beast inside.
Source of the Fruit: 100% Madison Cellars Vineyards estate grown
Vineyard Notes:
- Rootstock: Own-rooted
- Location/Soil: Clay loam and loam soils on the north and south facing sides of the vineyard
- Harvest Dates: September 12th through the 19th, 2004
Winemaking Notes:
- Fermentation: Primary fermentation in open top fermenters with three daily punch downs. Secondary fermentation in barrels
- Alcohol: 15.0%
- Total Acidity: .68
- PH: 3.49
- Residual Sugar: < 0.05%
Barrel Aging: Barrel aged for 20 months in French and American oak of which 32% was new, both French and American.
Date Bottled: July 14, 2006
Date Released: January 2007
Tasting Notes: Although this Merlot is higher in alcohol than most, it carries it well, -demonstrating depth more like a Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged in oak for 20 months and then in bottle for 6 months, this wine will stand the test of time.
Aging Properties: Ready to drink now, but more than capable of aging 5-8 years or more. Expect this wine to soften its rough edges over time.
Food Pairing: Spicy southwestern cuisine is perfect. This Merlot can also substitute for a Cabernet Sauvignon with grilled meats.
