This Merlot has a deep, rich, ruby color. Warm cherry aromas are accented with notes of mocha, red licorice, sage and toffee. Soft, round tannins make this wine easy to drink with flavors of black cherries and plums balanced with caramel and toffee from the oak.

"In the nose, ripe plum and blackberry jam meld with creamy vanilla aromas, a touch of tobacco, spicy clove and cinnamon, and toasted oak. The wine is rich in the mouth, with smooth tannins and rich, ripe plum and berry flavors. The finish is long and fruitfilled, with the perfect amount of toasty oak spice. This wine is perfect for enjoying upon release and for the next five years."

Technical notes

WINE PROFILE Harvested: October 2001 Sugar Level: 24.1° Brix Bottled: September 2002 Release Date: November 2002 WINE INFORMATION Barrel Regime: Nine months in new to three-year-old American (55%) and French (45%) oak Key Varietal Components: 77% Merlot 8% Carignane Acid/pH: 0.63/3.68 Alcohol: 13.6% Residual Sugar: 0.05% (dry) Production: >100,000 cases

Other text

After fermentation and initial racking, the wine was aged an average of nine months in a combination of new to three-year-old French (45%) and American (55%) oak barrels. The balance of new and used barrels allows the winemaker to create fuller body and richness while keeping the oak in balance with the wine’s character. to enjoy our wines

Producer

At Fetzer, we are not only committed to making great wines, but we do so in a sustainable and responsible way. As a leader in sustainable winemaking since 1986, we integrate sustainable practices throughout our entire winemaking operations including the energy we use, the materials we buy and the investment we make in our facilities, employees and our communities. We do this not only because we know it makes better wines, but because we believe it’s the right way to do business.