2009 Merlot

Because Merlot flourishes in relatively cool growing regions with moist soils, it’s extremely well-suited to the ancient alluvial loams, temperate climate, and long growing season of our estate vineyard in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, a sweet spot between Napa’s warmer up-valley regions and its cool southern tip.

Vintage

2009

Varietal

80% Merlot
12% Cabernet Sauvignon
5% Malbec
2% Cabernet Franc
1% Petit Verdot

Appellation

Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley

Estate Vineyard

99% Main Ranch
1% Hillspring

Harvest

September 11 - November 5

Oak

16 months in 95% French & 5% American

Alcohol

14.1%

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The Vintage

2009 was an excellent, even-keeled vintage in Napa Valley. Consistently mild weather throughout the growing and harvest seasons resulted in stress-free vines, long grape hang times, and fruit with finely developed flavors at lower-than-normal sugar levels.

The Wine

Savory aromas of robust plum, cherry and chocolate come through the nose with hints of pepper, molasses and spice on the full and lush finish.

Food Affinities

Try with pastas in richer sauces like Alfredo and Bolognese or with scallops wrapped in prosciutto.

Accolades

90 POINTS vintage 2009
“Smooth, fresh and mellow with nice spice and elegant flavors of plum and cinnamon; juicy and charming.”
Anthony Dias Blue, The Tasting Panel, January 2013

TOP TEN HOLIDAY WINES
vintage 2009
Gayot, December 2012

PLATINUM vintage 2009
San Diego International Wine Competition,
June 2012

BEST MERLOT vintage 2008
(900 Wines Tasted)
Winemaker Challenge, Robert Whitley
January 2012

TOP 5 MERLOTS (80 International Merlots Tasted) vintage 2008
"After being slammed by Hollywood, Merlot is getting its due again"
Bob Ecker, Napa Valley Register,
January 2012

93 POINTS vintage 2007
“Easily one of the best Napa Valley Merlots out there.”
Editors’ Choice Wine Enthusiast Magazine

Bob Hosmon, Syndicated Columnist vintage 2002

"...Reminds me of the best merlots produced in the Pomerol region of France..."

Ben Giliberti, Washington Post,
vintage 2001
"...reminiscent of the ethereal, merlot-based wines made by Christian Moueix in Pomerol..."

Vintages 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006