Taub Family – Oakville – Merlot

Overview: This Merlot from the Narsai David vineyard. The vineyard is planted on alluvial soils and fine-grained sandy loam. This is a dry-farmed vineyard which means crop is lower yielding, smaller clusters which results in more complexity and weight. The vineyard is planted with clone 3 with the average age of 25-30 year-old vines.Grapes are hand-harvested, destemmed, and hand-sorted. Cold soak for 3-5 days, followed by approx. 14 days of fermentation with 3 daily pumpovers. Fermented to dry on skins with an additional 7 to 14 days extended maceration to optimize the flavor, mouthfeel and tannin structure of the wine. Drained, pressed, and transferred to French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and ageing. Aged for 22 months in 75% new French oak.

Tasting Notes: The wine presents a wonderfully complex combination of fruit-driven, sweet oak, and savory characters. Flavors of dark cherry, blackberry, boysenberry, and fig are highlighted by notes of vanilla, baker??s chocolate, and graham cracker, all interwoven with hints of cedar, cigar box, tea leaf, and dried herbs.

Pairing:Lamb

Points:86, Wine Enthusiast

Format/ABV: 750 ml/14.5%

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