our 2005 vintage, it is time to release our Merlot and Claret (Bordeaux Style Red Wine.) The grapes were picked at a higher sugar so they tend to be a little bit "bigger" with lots of ripe fruit. These wines were aged for 27 months in 40% new French and American Oak barrels. I added 4% of 2007 vintage Dry Creek Cabernet Sauvignon to both wines as it lended some youthful brightness to the nose and pallet.
It took 4 long arduous (sort of) days of tasting different blends before I came up with these 2 wines. In a sense, it was stressful because I feel this is the best wine that we have made to date and there are literally thousands of combinations of percentages. "What does this blend lack?
How does it taste with 2% of Cabernet Franc? 10% Malbec? 4% Malbec......"
Hope you enjoy them!
Chris
2005 Merlot
"Lambert Bridge Vineyard,"
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
175 Cases Produced
This wine is a big Merlot in the mold of the 2004 but has even more concentrated flavors as it spent 27 months in French and American oak barrels. It has huge Blueberry and Cherry fruit with a touch of Anise. The oak is well integrated and adds complexity with flavors of vanilla and coconut.
Price: $24 a bottle
2005 Dry Creek Valley Red Wine
"Lambert Bridge Vineyard"
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
300 Cases Produced
66% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon,
6% Petite Sirah,
Cola and dark stone fruit dominate the nose and pallet of this full-bodied red wine. This wine has tremendous depth and is well balanced with moderate tannins and acidity. It is drinking great now, but could be laid down for 8-10 years.
Price: $30 a bottle
