2007 Starmont Merlot, Napa Valley

BLEND
94% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Syrah

APPELLATION
Napa Valley

WINEMAKING

• Extended maceration on the skins
• Bottled unfiltered

BARREL AGING
Aged 18 months in French oak (25% new)

ALCOHOL
14.5% by volume

CELLARING
The wine will improve over the next couple years and hold for a decade thereafter.

WINEMAKER'S NOTES
We like Merlot planted in the southern part of the Napa Valley, and in particular from Carneros, for its robust fruit flavors and added structure. The wine is handpicked and carefully sorted before undergoing extended maceration. It was aged for 18 months in 25% new French Oak barrels and bottled unfiltered.

This Merlot displays notes of plum, black cherry, bittersweet chocolate, vanilla and toasted oak. On the palate, the wine has a fruit forward entry with very fine tannins. The finish is complex and lingering. The wine will reward those with the patience to cellar it.

Our favorite food pairings include Peking Duck or pasta with a rich tomato based sauce.