2008 Starmont Merlot, Napa Valley

BLEND
91% Merlot, 9 % Cabernet Sauvignon

APPELLATION
Napa Valley

WINEMAKING

• Extended maceration on the skins

BARREL AGING
Aged 20 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 love Merlot planted in the southern part of the Napa Valley, and in particular from Carneros, for its robust fruit flavors and added structure. We handpick and carefully sort the fruit before it undergoes extended maceration for increased color and intensity. The wine is aged for 20 months in 25% new French Oak barrels and bottled unfiltered.

The resulting wine is deep ruby in color with very bright aromas of cherry and ripe raspberry with notes of bittersweet chocolate, subtle toast and cooking spice. A focused entry onto the palate leads to a round fleshy mouthfeel. The finish is long with lingering notes of cocoa powder.