Gann Family Cellars 2004 Merlot

Winemaker Tasting Notes:
Notes of ripe plum, black cherry and black currant highlight our wine. Hints of chocolate, leather and white pepper add complexity while smooth tannins make for an easy finish.

Vintage & Harvest Notes:
The 2004 season started three weeks ahead of schedule as unseasonably warm weather in March caused an early bud break. Late spring and summer were characterized by a mild and even growing season which allowed the grapes a steady maturation, maximizing hang time on the vine. The season’s consistently moderate weather allowed for full development of flavors.

Winemaking Notes:
Gann Family Cellars Alexander Valley Merlot is produced from our Estate Vineyard in Healdsburg, Sonoma County. Our vineyard benefits from morning summer fogs that roll in through the Chalk Hill gap and up the Russian River in southwest Alexander Valley. A combination of cool mornings and evenings, along with warmer afternoons, allow the grapes to develop their complex flavors. The fruit was crushed and placed in open-top tanks for fermentation. We utilize a submerged cap system and daily pump-overs to maximize color and flavor extraction. Upon completion of fermentation, the wine was transferred to French and Central European barrels, about 60% new, and was allowed to age for 15 months.

Technical Notes:

Appellation:	Alexander Valley
Harvest:	September 3, 2004
Bottled:	February 9, 2006
TA:	0.715 g/100 ml
pH:	3.56
Alcohol:	15.9%
Production:	325 cases