Wine Spotlight
Tasting Notes: 2005 Big Ranch Merlot
We are most proud of our 2005 Estate grown and produced Merlot that was harvested September 26th from the “A4” Block of our home Big Ranch Vineyard®. The grapes were harvested at 25.6° brix and cold soaked at 50 degrees for 6 days to maximize extraction of color and flavor.
After cold soaking, fermentation began reaching a high temperature of 86 degrees at 17° brix. At the conclusion of primary fermentation, the wine was pressed into French oak barrels, 60% new and 40% once used. After 20 months of aging in Nadalie and Taransaud barrels, the Merlot was blended with 12% Napa Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Big Ranch Vineyard® Malbec and bottled July 26th, 2006. This blend highlights the bright cherry fruit of the Oak Knoll District Merlot with vanilla overtones that express the deep rich flavors of our vineyard.