MacRostie 2002 Merlot

An Interview with the Winemaker:
Steve MacRostie, leading the flock of Los Carneros producers

Vineyard Notes:
The grapes for this Merlot came from select vineyards situated entirely on the Napa Valley side of the Carneros AVA. The wine is a traditional blend of 85% Merlot from the Hudson and Beckstoffer vineyards, with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon added from the Truchard vineyard.

The growing season was cool and long, with harvest stretching out leisurely and well-ordered for weeks on end. The grapes that made up this Merlot were harvested by hand from September 18 all the way through October 17, in order to achieve absolutely optimum ripeness from each vineyard, block, and variety.

Winemaker Tasting Notes:
Aromas of ripe black cherry, cocoa powder, and sweet tobacco—like the wrapper of a fine maduro cigar. In the mouth it is simply soft as velvet, showing brambly red currant flavors, with mint and black coffee hints in the lush, smooth finish.

Technical Notes:

Appellation:	Carneros
Harvest Dates:	September 18-October 17, 2002
Bottle Date:	April 14, 2004
Oak:	18 months in French oak (40% new)
Production:	926 cases