2008 Napa Valley Merlot
An exceptional blend of Napa Valley Merlot grapes selected specifically for their concentrated character provides layers of ripe blueberry and plum flavors complemented by 18 months of French oak barrel aging and a velvety texture.
Vintage
Napa Valley’s 2008 grape growing season was nearly textbook, Napa Valley’s 2008 growing season was dramatic, but resulted in excellent quality fruit with great flavor concentration. A very dry spring caused buds to emerge early and, thus, experience an extended frost in late March and early April, which significantly cut the crop. The early vine development was slowed down by a cool summer of consistent temperatures, and harvest began only slightly ahead of normal. A heat spell in late August sped up ripening suddenly, but cool fall temperatures that followed lengthened the harvest. This second consecutive dry growing season in the Napa Valley and the reduced crops resulted in vines yielding berries that showed great expression of their vineyards and rich, concentrated flavors.
Winemaking
To naturally soften tannins and enhance varietal complexity, we gave the wine 28 days of skin contact. We then pressed the wine and transferred it to French oak barrels to undergo a long malolactic fermentation for roundness and depth. Blending in the Cabernet Sauvignon added interesting nuances to the lush berry flavor profile of the Merlot.
Vineyards
Tony Coltrin accomplished a vibrant layering of flavors in our Oberon Merlot by sourcing grapes throughout the Napa Valley. Blending fruit from classic and emerging appellations allowed us to take advantage of different soil types and microclimates from around the valley. With the diversity of flavors, he created a well-rounded mouthful of wine.
Wine Facts
Varietals: Merlot 92%,
Syrah 7%, Cabernet Sauvignon 1%
Appellation: Napa Valley
Barrel Aging: 18 months in French oak
Alcohol: 13.6%
pH: 3.78
TA: 5.53 g/l
Click here for the 2008 Merlot Vintage Note
Click here for the 2006 Merlot Vintage Note