2002 Merlot Napa Valley
Blend
88% Merlot
7% Syrah
5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Production
10,480 cases
The Vintage
The 2002 growing season was somewhat typical in Napa Valley with excellent weather from Spring to Fall. The Merlot clusters had smaller berries than usual resulting in intensely flavored grapes. There was a heat spike in September that stressed the vines and further concentrated the flavors in the berries. At harvest the grapes displayed wonderful fruit flavors and soft tannins.
Winemaking
The Merlot grapes that make up this blend were all harvested by hand during the last three weeks of September 2002. The grapes were grown primarily in the winery's Estate Vineyard and Leonardini Vineyard. The fruit was fermented at an average of 86°F with systematic pump-overs for excellent flavor and color extraction. The wine was aged in a combination of American and French oak barrels for 18 months. Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon were added to the blend to add weight in the midpalate and increase the complexity and length on the finish.
Tasting Notes
This full-bodied, harmonious Merlot has rich aromas of blackberry, plum and toasty oak. The wine is youthfully bright, delivering flavors of ripe blackberry, blueberry and spice. It is pleasantly balanced with good weight in the mid-palate and a velvety, lingering finish. Enjoyable now with aging potential to 2010.