2011 Vintner Select Merlot

Aromas of ripe cherry, seductive blue fruit, floral notes, and a hint of brown sugar introduce a wine with a lush, supple palate and finish that lingers. This is a classic example of Merlot as a variety – likeable and pretty with flavors that enhance each other to create a melodious experience. The wine is 100% Clone 3 Merlot from our Lower Mountain Top vineyard block, also the source of the Merlot component of our Reserve Claret.

 

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Appellation: Sonoma County
Vintage: 2011
Harvest: October 2011
Fermentation: Stainless Steel
Cooperage: French Oak
Blend: 100% Merlot
Alcohol: 14.4%
Bottling: July 2013
Production: 418 cases
Release Date: January 2014
Release Price: $80.00

Reviews

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  • California Grapevine: Volume 40 - Rating: 91

    Medium ruby color; attractive, relatively mature, deep herbal, smoky, black cherry and dark berry fruit aroma with spicy notes and hints of brown sugar and roasted coffee bean; medium-full to full body; plush, herbal, red and black fruit flavors with good, depth, balance, and richness; medium-full tannin; lingering afterstaste.  Appealing to taste now, though best to age for another three to five years. Very highly recommended.

  • The Wine Advocate: October 2014 - Rating: 91

    The 2011 Merlot Vintner’s Select is 100% Merlot aged 20 months in 40% new French oak. A smaller cuvée of 418 cases, it reveals plenty of chocolaty, dense black cherry and plum-like fruit intermixed with hints of Asian spice, earth and tobacco leaf. This plump, chewy, sensual 2011 is best drunk over the next 7-8 years.