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2000 Arrowood
Merlot Sonoma County Region/Origin: Sonoma County Residual Sugar: Dry Total Acid: .54 g per 100 mL Alcohol: 14.1% Final pH: 3.5 Blend: 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc Winemaker's NotesIf one can define 'normal' with regard to winegrowing, the rather uneventful 2000 growing season would be it! Except for a two-day heat spell in June and a couple of intermittent showers in September, the growing season was consistent and mild. Warm days gave way to cool nights, allowing for slow, steady ripening and extended hang time on the vine. Early ripening varieties, such as Merlot, especially benefited from these conditions with increased color, flavor, acid and tannin development. Our 2000 Sonoma County Merlot is a shining example of this very nice vintage. It is an intriguingly complex blend from five distinct vineyards in Sonoma County. Typical of cooler-climate Merlots, it is characterized by fruit forward aromatics, concentrated berry flavors and harmonious, supple tannins. In order to enhance the wines aromatic profile and finish we blended it with a small amount of Cabernet Franc. Vineyard lots were aged separately in French and American oak for two years and then blended just prior to bottling. In keeping with our non-interventional approach, this wine was neither fined nor filtered. The inky, ruby-red color of this lovely wine only hints at the intense, concentrated aromatics and flavors to follow. Forward flavors of blackberry, plum and dark cherry syrup stand out against a backdrop of creamy vanilla and warm brown spice. Beautifully balanced with a soft, luscious mouthfeel, mature tannins and a long, oak-sweetened finish, this wine is just begging to be paired with rich foods such as leg of lamb or minestrone. It will also stand up beautifully to long-term cellaring, so be sure to save a few bottles for future enjoyment. |
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Arrowood > Our Wines > Archives > Winemaker's Notes | |||
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