Snowden Merlot 2010

"The 2010 Merlot is a fabulous entry-level offering. Dark berries, plums, violets and spices are all woven together beautifully in this hugely delicious and appealing wine. Sweet, floral notes and spices add lift and brightness on the finish"

Robert Parker : 2010 Snowden Merlot
92 points

From Diana Snowden Seysses- 2010

"2010 got off to a slow start; cool and wet weather patterns persisted through May, delaying budbreak. In June the rain stopped and we enjoyed even temperatures during flowering, making for excellent fruit set. Summer continued, cool with foggy skies, with the exception of two extreme heat spikes, one in August and one in September. Exposed and unshaded fruit raisined creating a great deal of work for our vineyard team which had to sort out the desiccated fruit before harvest. The fruit that did reach the crush pad was of excellent quality. It had enjoyed a long, mostly cool growing season and had reached optimum ripeness at level of brix lower than usual.

Harvest began Oct 8th for the Merlot and finished Oct 18th for the Cabernet, just before the rains. The grapes were picked by hand. Fermentation began naturally a little over one week after picking. The wines were pressed 10 to 14 days later and were transferred to French oak barrels; 50% new for the Reserve, 30% new for the Ranch. They immediately showed themselves to be classic, elegant Snowden Cabernets, both with ripe flavors, vibrancy and poise. They were bottled, unfiltered, May 2012."

Winemaker's Notes

100% Merlot
The Merlot is the result of a surplus in blending wine while waiting for the Cabernet Sauvignon vines in the Brother's vineyard to grow. However sometimes chance is our greatest teacher. I continue to be impressed by our merlot as a stand-alone wine. It is a beautiful, rich, medium bodied wine with aromas of cocoa powder and delicious savoriness. It possesses real structure and character. Drink now and over the next 5 years.

Varietal Blend	100% estate Merlot
Quantity	125 cases
Alcohol	15.2% alc.