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Wine Details
Price:
$25.00 per bottle
Description:
The Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are from 3 different local vineyards that are now 6 to 7 years of age. Even though the vineyards are young, the attention to detail by the grower brings forth fruit that is destined for a great wine. The balance of spice and herb from the Cabernet and berry aromas from the Merlot are certainly reminiscent of past vintages, but the intensity and depth of this wine is truly something that comes from the vineyard. The other varietal used is Verdot. These grapes were used in small amounts to help develop the overall character and structure of the wine. Our 2002 Cabernet-Merlot was primarily aged in a combination of new American, French and Russian oak for about 15 months. Portions of the blend were aged in older barrels to help keep the oak level in harmony with the fruit character of the wine. The blend has firm tannins and acidity and will gracefully age with the lovely berry fruit and subtle earthy herb aromas and flavors.
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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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Cabernet Sauvignon:
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely planted and significant among the five dominant varieties in France’s Bordeaux region, as well as the most successful red wine produced in California. Though it was thought to be an ancient variety, recent genetic studies at U.C. Davis have determined that Cabernet Sauvignon is actually the hybrid offspring of Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc. Cabernet Sauvignon berries are small with black, thick and very tough skin. This toughness makes the grapes fairly resistant to disease and spoilage and able to withstand some autumn rains with little or no damage. It is a mid to late season ripener. These growth characteristics, along with its flavor appeal have made Cabernet Sauvignon one of the most popular red wine varieties worldwide.
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