2003 Merlot
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Grape Variety: 94% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon

Appellation: Paso Robles

Analysis: Alcohol: 15.3% pH: 3.34 TA: .72g/100ml RS: .02%

Harvest Dates: 9/30/03 Barrel Ageing: 20 months in new oak (25% French, 75% American)

Cases Produced: 377

Tasting Notes
An ideal vintage, this enticing Merlot has intense, ultra-ripe aromas of cherry and boysenberry, moderate spice, and hints of mint and tar. Although full-bodied, it has an elegant structure, with a big, berry flavor and a lingering finish of fudge and caramel. An ideal wine to match with barbequed steak or rack of lamb, it is enjoyable now, will peak in two years, and if cellared properly, will age nicely for a decade. Serve at cellar temperature after decanting for two hours. Vintage 2003 2003 gave us a difficult growing season, but quality seems to be quite good as a result of judicious vineyard practices throughout the year. A late start in the vineyard because of cool spring temperatures gave way to a warm summer that was marked by several small rain events and a number of heat spikes. The fall weather was very nice, maintaining warm weather that fully ripened everything by the end of October, before the first rains. Overall, the vintage produced wines with loads of fruit and above average ripeness and alcohol levels. Winemaking Clean, ripe bunches of Merlot were gently destemmed and fermented at a moderate temperature until sufficient extraction of color and tannins was achieved. Unlike most red varietals, crafting a balanced Merlot requires finesse, and pressing occurred before dryness, as an over extracted Merlot can be harsh and vegetal. Barrel aging in new oak adds body and structure, and as the oak and fruit flavors marry, a complex and intense aroma. Blending with a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon right before bottling served to lift the varietals character and round out the finish.