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2005 Merlot - Sonoma County [ $25 ]
Select lots of grapes were chosen from our vineyards in Sonoma County to create this beautifully balanced and full-bodied 2005 Ferrari-Carano Merlot. A multidimensional, velvety wine with a dark ruby color and complex nose of ripe cherry, blackberry jam, cinnamon and caramel, this year’s Merlot is accented by intricately woven flavors of wild berries and chocolate-covered strawberries with mocha lingering on the silky finish.
Vintage Notes
From our valley floor and mountain top vineyards, the vines for the Merlot are dry farmed in shallow, rocky, low-vigor soil that add impressive depth and concentration of flavor intensity to the wine. A late March warming trend made for perfect bud break and a quick start to the growing season. A mild summer yielded grapes of wonderful balance with rich tannins and bright varietal characteristics.
Winemakers Notes
This wine is a composed of primarily Merlot, blended with small amounts of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. The cool climate valley floor vineyards produce supple, fruit-forward wine, while the hillside vineyard fruit lends intensity and structure. Upon entering the winery, the hand-harvested grapes were destemmed and then fermented in tank before pressing. Individual lots were moved to barrels for malolactic fermentation, then blended and barrel aged for 18 months, allowing for the perfect balance of fruit, tannin, and oak.
| Appellation: |
Sonoma County
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| Blend: |
90% Merlot, 6% Malbec,
4% Cabernet Sauvignon
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| Cooperage: |
70% older French oak,
25% new French oak,
5% American oak
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| Release Day: |
September 2007 |
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Rhonda's Recipe and Pairing Notes
Roasted Pork Loin with Port Wine Sauce
The fruit forward, easy drinking qualities of our 2005 Ferrari-Carano Merlot make it the perfect wine to pair with any red meat course, Italian entrée, and roasted or grilled fragrantly-spiced poultry dishes.
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