2004 Bennett Valley Merlot

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Tasting Notes

A potpourri of fresh herbs, including thyme and sage, marry with dark boysenberries and velvety cherries in the nose. Distinctly spicy, the palate begins with clove and quince, followed by a long, smooth finish of blackberry and earth notes. Francois recommends that this Merlot be served slightly cool.

Acclaim

Gold Medal - 2007 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Best of Class - 2007 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
88-89 Points - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Source

Sourced from our vineyards in Sonoma County’s Bennett Valley, this 2004 vintage wine represents our 26th vintage of Merlot.

Bennett Valley offers this Merlot model growing conditions. Both the terraced vineyards of the esteemed Jackson Park Ranch and the vineyards surrounding our Estate benefit from the cool breeze and coastal fog that travel up through a pathway from the Pacific Ocean. Also beneficial is the presence of basalt in our soils – an ancient ocean floor rock – that offers smoky character to the wine.

Production Statistics

Finished Wine: 93% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Syrah, 1% Cabernet Franc
Sourcing: 92% Bennett Valley, 6% Knights Valley, 2% Alexander Valley
Analysis: 14.5% Alcohol, .58 TA, 3.38 pH
Barrel Aging: 15 months barrel aged in French oak , 43% one-year old, 57% two-year old