2010 Howell Mountain Merlot

The Vineyards

We hand-harvested the grapes into small, 30-pound boxes to prevent crushing, and then brought them to our winery for hand sorting. After destemming and light crushing, the must was cold soaked for gentle color, flavor and tannin extraction. To bridle the mountain tannins, Chris added small amounts of oxygen into the wine with two splashing pump-overs a day during the primary fermentation in stainless steel tanks. In-barrel malolactic fermentation rounded the acidity and softly integrated the vanillin character of the new French oak barrels. To further enhance the wine's elegance, we racked the wine five times during its 22 months of barrel aging.

Current Tasting Notes

"Howell Mountain is the location for Merlot wine making and this wine intends to prove it. Made from the best of our La Jota and Keyes Vineyard Merlot, you will find that characteristics of chocolate, coffee, broad tannins and lush blackberry envelope the palate."