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Wine Details
Price:
$75.00 per bottle
Description:
Nearly ideal growing conditions in 2001 delivered fruit of exceptional quality, with richness and depth, ripe tannins, and subtle nuance. The Hartwell Estate Merlot was no exception. These characters follow through to the finished wine. Aromas of ripe blueberry and rasberry predominate, mingling with notes of dried sage, anis and acacia flower. On the palate, the wine offers flavors of fresh ripe berries, creme de cassis, vanilla and smoke. Aged for 18 months in French and American oak, the tannins are silky and supple, leading to a long, soft finish of lingering spice and fruit. This wine is a true expression of Stags Leap Merlot, which will continue to gain complexity in the bottle.
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Varietal Definition
Merlot:
Merlot is known as a Noble Bordeaux varietal. Although it came to France in the first century, it was not named until the 1880s. Merlot was originally used only for blending, as it is soft and compliant, very useful in softening other Bordeaux wines like Cabernets. Recently in California and Chile it became popular as a 100% varietal wine. Merlot tends to be easier to grow in a variety of soil conditions and is harvested earlier in the year than Cabernet. Although most Merlots are made to be drunk earlier, there are many with complexities of a Cabernet. Flavors of plum, black cherry, violet, chocolate and orange pair well with rich, red pasta dishes, hearty chicken dishes, and any beef combination that you fancy. The perfect match of course is chocolate. Not only does the chocolate compliment the wine and vice-versa, but the essence of both flavors linger eternally.
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