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Quantity Ground to CA
1-3 Bottles $21.11
4-6 Bottles $24.92
7-9 Bottles $29.43
10-12 Bottles $32.37

2007 Franciscan Estate Merlot
 
WINEMAKER: Janet Myers
APPELLATION: Napa Valley
BRIX AT HARVEST: 24.0° – 25.0°
VARIETAL COMPOSITION: 100% Merlot
FERMENTATION: Pre-fermentation cold soak of 4 days to enhance color and body. Fermentation and maceration averaging 16 days to build structure and integrate mouthfeel.
pH: 3.64
TA: 6.1g/L
ALCOHOL: 13.9%
RELEASE DATE: November 2012		    

2009
Napa Valley

Merlot

 
 
Sensory Evaluation:
Appearance:  Deep garnet
Aromas:  Complex and layered with aromas of dark plum, cherry, cassis, and tobacco entwined with notes of sage and blueberry.
Flavors:  Supple and elegant with rich texture and fine tannins. The soft mid palate is filled with inviting flavors of ripe berries, Bing cherries, cocoa, and  sweet vanilla notes that linger on the finish.
 
Wine History:
Our goal with Merlot is to showcase the best of this noble and important Bordeaux variety. We start by sourcing fruit from our Oakville Estate, which provides body and structure—this gives our Merlot “big shoulders.” We then blend in fruit from vineyards in the cooler southern half of Napa Valley stretching from the Oakville District south to Carneros, in particular the renowned sub-district of Oak Knoll. From these vineyards the Merlot shows vibrant flavors, dense color, and supple texture. Each vineyard block is made separately, giving it the care and attention to reach its full expression. Together, the lots combine beautifully. Our Merlot is often called a Cab-lovers Merlot for its body and richness, a designation we are proud of.
 
Growing Season:
2009 was the third straight year of low rainfall, with  a mild summer free of any major heat spikes, and consistently cool night  temperatures. These perfect growing conditions led to even ripening in our  Bordeaux varietals, giving classic structure with rich, vibrant flavors. Warm  stretches in both early and late September propelled the grapes to ripeness in an otherwise cool month. Merlot was harvested on our Oakville Estate between September 24 and October 9.
     
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1178 Galleron Road at Highway 29 St. Helena, CA 94574 | (707) 967-3830
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© 2012 FRANCISCAN ESTATE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
1178 Galleron Road at Highway 29 St. Helena, CA 94574 | (707) 967-3830 | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy
Our wines and our website are intended for consumers of legal drinking age. Please enjoy our fine products responsibly.

Site Design by CF NAPA Brand Design
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