2010 Pride Merlot

  $59.99

In 2010, harvest ranged from October 18th for our earliest block of Merlot to November 6th for the latest, with the majority picked during the last eight days of October. The final blend incorporates 10% cabernet sauvignon from our Rock Arch and Carolyn's vineyard blocks. This wine is not shy: heady notes of bright blue fruit burst forth before even lifting the glass. Blueberry, blackberry and dark black cherry notes saturate the palate, revealing a thick, dense wine with plenty of stuffing and a bit more weight and extraction than our lovely 2009. Merlot is a grape variety prone to "shatter," or incomplete pollination of its flowers, which is something that actually helps with concentration in the finished wine due to the enhanced exposure of the grape skins to the sun and air. A light shatter in 2010 due to spring rains, combined with some additional mid-season crop thinning once the shoots stopped growing, made a lighter-than-average crop that was able to ripen to perfection.

 

  $58.79

GHOST BLOCK NAPA CABERNET 2010

Winemaker Notes from Rob Lawson:

2010 was a late, challenging and wet vintage (depending on when you picked). A lot of qualitative decisions were made throughout harvest resulting in excellent quality.

Tasting Notes:

The 2010 exhibits the typical distinctive flavors of Ghost Block and the Rock Cairn vineyard. Finesse oriented with an elegant balance and structure. Bright floral aromatics, such as rose petals and tobacco. A full-bodied cabernet that attacks with loads of dark berry fruits, cocoa and nutmeg. The palate is supported by the lasting finish of black cherries and coffee.

• Varietal Content: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Alcoholic Content: 14.5%
• Total Acidity: .59
• pH: 3.99
• Cooperage: Aged 24 months in French Oak, 60% new
• Release Information: 6,000 six bottle packs, May 1, 2013