The 2004 growing season produced a
Merlot of incredible intensity. A light
crop and a hot spell on Labor Day kicked the vines into ripening a beautiful Merlot crop. A mid season ripening variety, the Merlot grapes benefited from a little extra time on the vine and produced sugars to 25.5 brix.

The Merlot was crushed and fermented
over the span of nine days. Fermentation temperatures reached 85 degrees. The wine was pressed off a 5 brix to create a softer style of wine which can really show off varietal fruit flavors. French oak barrel aging softened the tannins while oak sweetened the palate. This wine has an incredible fruit forward balance and concentration for those who
are fans of classic Merlot. This wine is
enjoyable with many meat and poultry
dishes.

Harvest Data

Brix: 24.3
Date: 9/22/04 - 9/29/04

Wine Analysis

TA: 6.2 grams/liter
pH: 3.38
Alcohol: 13.5%
Bottled: 4/11/06 - 4/13/06

Varietal
Composition

88.17% Merlot
6.3% Cabernet Sauvignon
.8% Malbec
5.42% Syrah

Appellation

100% San Lucas, Monterey Conty