Tasting Notes

WA91

This wine is the first release from a 3-acre hillside vineyard west of Napa in what is known as Brown`s Valley. The 1996 was aged in 100% new French oak, fermented with indigenous yeasts, and bottled with neither fining nor filtration after 20 months of aging. Sadly, there are only 280 cases of this knock-out Merlot. The proprietor, a well-known Napa doctor, was so quality conscious, he decided the 1997 did not match the quality of the 1996, so this offering will be the only one for the next twenty-four months or so. The wine possesses a dense ruby/purple color, as well as striking aromatics, consisting of black chocolate, jammy berries, and pain grille, beautifully integrated new oak, low acidity, and a plump, full-bodied, rich, concentrated style. The extraordinary fruit ripeness of California`s best North Coast micro-climates is accompanied by the complexity and multi-dimensional personality found in a top-quality Pomerol. This beauty should easily drink well for 10-12 years.

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