The superb 2007 vintage began with a dry winter and spring. Inclement weather during bloom significantly reduced the size of our Home Ranch Merlot crop and its berries, greatly concentrating flavors. Although a spate of brief summer heat spells fully matured grapes, cool weather in September sustained their vibrant acidity, accounting for this splendid Merlot's impeccable structure.
Introduced by its shimmering ruby color, our 2007 Merlot opens with enticingly fresh, vivid aromas of black cherry and red plum fruit, perfectly complemented by fragrant rose hips tea, sweet oak and light herbal tones. In the mouth, the flavors are startingly rich, creamy and luscious, with concentrated red cherry and plum skin fruitiness invigorated by seeped-tea spice tones and acidity. Although Merlot is stereotyped as a drink-me-now red, the deep fruit and superb structure of this rendition argue for 1-3 years' aging. Thos who can't wait are advised to uncork this beauty with herb-roasted chicken, black-olive pizza or Merlot-marinated game hens.
September 2009