2007 Merlot
| Vintage: | 2007 |
| Wine Type: | Red Wine |
| Varietal: | Merlot |
| Appellation: | Sonoma Valley |
| PH: | 3.65 |
| Alcohol %: | 14.4 |
Aromas of bing cherry and violets are followed by a soft, rich palate of concentrated black plum and berry flavors. Round, lush tannins add weight and a creamy texture. Finishes with generous black fruit, oolong tea leaf and vanilla.
Rhinefarm Estate Vineyard Estate grown, produced and bottled Sustainably farmed Rhyolitic Ash and Alluvial Wash soils at 70 to 105 feet elevation Ten distinct blocks of Merlot harvested in 15 lots 7- to 30-year-old clone 6 and 181 vines Yield 2.5 tons/acre
Night harvested by hand in fifteen lots Each lot processed separately based on distinct profile Three- to five-day cold soak Yeast strain D254 Concurrent primary and malolactic fermentation Extraction through pump-overs, tailored to phenolic profile of each lot Pressed before dryness and racked to barrels to complete fermentation Lees stirring for three months post fermentation Base blend assembled twelve months before bottling Final blend assembled two weeks before bottling Lightly fined by lot and filtered to bottle 17 months in 100% French oak, 40% new Medium tight grain, medium to medium- plus toast Primary cooper Nadalie
Generous on varietal concentration; stingy on yields. This sums up the outcome of the 2007 growing season and vintage. There was relatively early initiation of bud break which was followed by nearly perfect, mild climatic conditions throughout most of the season. This mild weather was especially welcomed since winter rainfall was nearly half of normal and so any big heat spikes in the spring or summer would put a lot of strain on water needs. The most pronounced characteristic of the season is small berry size. While leading to short yields, this has led to wines of astounding concentration and expression.
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