This ain't your grandma's Merlot...
The 2002 Sierra Oaks Vineyard El Dorado County Merlot,
at a mere 14.4% alcohol, is like our 2000 and 1999 vintages,
which will appeal to all our friends in New Jersey who have liked
those wines so much. Incredible balance and longevity.
What makes the Sierra Oaks Vineyard special is that it's located
in the Sierra Nevadas at about 2500 feet. With the exceptionally
cool nights and warm (but not too hot) days, this means high sugars
and high acids — a perfect combination.
If these wines are so good, then why don't we make wines
from this vineyard anymore?
Good question and the answer is simple: We have Napa Valley roots
that go back to 1975 and earlier, if you include Bill's apprenticeships
at at Heitz Cellars and elsewhere. We have decided in recent years
to concentrate on producing the best wines possible from our favorite
Napa Valley vineyards. End of explanation. But if you have comments
talk to our Complaints Department at (707) 255-4064. Bill himself
will probably be the one who answers the phone.
What our fans are saying
2002 Merlot Sierra Oaks Vineyard, El Dorado County
"Brilliant ruby red hue. Tobacco, cherry, sage and oak aromas.
Medium-full with very good concentration, this is an impressive,
'serious' Merlot that has the structure to age for several years.
The oak is nicely integrated and there are firm tannins. RATED:
90 points (Exceptional)" — Beverage
Testing Institute
The general poop...
The Sierra Oaks Vineyard is located near the town of Mt. Aukum
in the Sierra Nevada foothills. The five acres of merlot are grown
on warm, sunny rolling hills and terraced hillsides at the 2,500
foot level.
Like Pinot Noir, Merlot can vary greatly from growing area to
growing area. It is an early ripener, which can be a problem in
California's warm climate. One day the grapes can be ready to pick,
the next they can be overripe.
The Sierra Oaks Vineyard is high enough to assure the cool nights
that the merlot grapes need to recoup their strength between hot
days. Thus they are able to stay on the vine longer before reaching
ripeness, achieving a maturity and harmony of acidity, sugar, and
flavor.
While substantial, Sierra Oaks Merlot is not flabby as so many
flatland Merlots can end up. It is big, flavorful, forthcoming.
Subtle it is not.
Drink with hearty meals. In fact, this is one of the few Merlots
that will stand up to pizza or tomato-based pastas.
— Skippy, Chief Cellar Rat
|
"Wine makes a man better pleased with himself. I do not
say that it makes him more pleasing to others.... This is one
of the disadvantages of wine, it makes a man mistake words for
thoughts."
— Samuel Johnson
"This wine is too good for
toast-drinking, my dear.
You don't want to
mix emotions up with
a wine like that.
You lose the taste."
— Ernest Hemingway
"Wisdom doesn't automatically come with old age. Nothing
does, except wrinkles. It's true, some wines improve with age.
But only if the grapes were good in the first place." — Abigail
Van Buren
"...when you get right down to it, a big, fat Syrah isn't
a whole lot different from a big fat Merlot." — Rod
Smith,
wine columnist
"If anyone orders Merlot, I'm leaving. I
am NOT drinking any fucking Merlot!" — Miles
Raymond, from the
film Sideways
"Wine is constant proof that God loves us and loves to see us
happy." — Benjamin Franklin
“What I do and what I dream include thee, as the wine
must taste of its own grapes.” — Elizabeth
Barrett Browning
|
