Vintage
2001
Appellation
Napa Valley
Varietal Composition
94% Merlot,
5% Cabernet Franc
1% Petite Verdot
Barrel Aging
16 months
100% New French Oak
Release Date
February 2004
Harvest Date
9/22/01
Sugar at Harvest
25.8° Brix
pH 3.78
TA 5.85 g/L
Alcohol 14.2%
Case Production
300 cases
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 MABOROSHI
MERLOT
ABOUT
THE WINE
The
2001 vintage saw nearly perfect growing conditions from July
to September. This allowed the tannins to ripen to perfection
and the acidities to drop achieving an excellent balance and
maturity in the grapes. The grapes were hand picked and sorted
keeping only the finest and ripest clusters. After a cold
soak of the whole berries, the juice then went through fermentation
naturally or with the help of indigenous yeasts. Upon completion,
the wine was then placed in 100% new French oak barrels for
the secondary, malolactic fermentation. Only minimal handling
occurred during the rackings enabling the wine to gently age
and bottled unfiltered to retain its rich flavors in April
2003.
It is an elegant and well-balanced wine that exhibits rich
aromas and flavors of rich blackberry and black cherry integrated
with a hint of cocoa. A lingering finish makes this Merlot
approachable now, but will continue to show well for at least
the next 5-10 years.
FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS
This
wine has the affinity for leg of lamb, filet mignon, or venison
braised and drenched in a rich sauce. Will match well with
a decadent dessert such as dark chocolate mousse.
Maboroshi
Cabernet Sauvignon Tasting Notes
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