2007 Organic Merlot
No Sulfites Added
| Release Date: | 03-01-08 | Alcohol: | 13.5% |
| Residual Sugar: | 0.0 | Acidity: | 0.70, pH 3.84 |
| Tasting Notes: Great complex aromas with sweet cherry, raspberry, and caramel dominating the subtle spicy undertones. Flavor complexity is enhanced with a background of toasty oak to compliment the rich, round black cherry, marionberry, caramel, and wood spice that linger into the smooth, lush finish. |
| Winemaker's Notes: We had more vineyard sources for organic red wine grapes this year than ever before, and this wine takes full advantage of that. Blending this wine was a challenge, but one to which every winemaker looks forward. Our Estate Merlot has nice ripe berry characteristics, and a nice depth develops over time. To further emphasize the complexity of fruit qualities, I used the new Maurivin for primary fermentation. We also had some excellent Merlot fruit from Ste. Michelle's Patterson Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills, and I used a yeast to emphasize the gorgeous red fruit. Following that, each lot was put in French oak for 4 months. For the final blend for the NSA Merlot we chose 45% Ste. Michelle Merlot, 30% Badger Mountain Estate Merlot, 10% Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Rivercrest Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Estate Syrah. Bottling took place in late February 2008. 6000 cases made. |