Peters Family 2002 Meritage

Winemaking Notes:
Both the cabernet sauvignon and the merlot were handpicked in their respective vineyards, and then gently crushed and destemmed. Both varietals were selectively inoculated with Bordeaux yeast strains, and fermented with traditional Bordeaux fermentation techniques.

Aging Notes:
After extended maceration, 100% free-run wine only was moved to barrels for aging. The barrel selection included new, 1 year-old, and 2 year-old French oak (63%), 1 year-old Russian oak (25%), and 2 year-old American oak (12%). Extensive blending trials during the second year in barrel, led to the final blend assemblage after a total of 26 months in barrel. The final blend was returned to barrel for three months to integrate in barrel, before being bottled 100% unfiltered and unfined.

Tasting Notes:
Like our 2001 Meritage, the 2002 is lush and beautifully drinkable in its youth, but also a wine which will age well, with layers of velvety, intensely concentrated fruit. On the palate, ripe blackberry, cassis, and black currant notes are followed by vanilla, mocha, and light anise and herb notes on the smooth, moderately tannic finish. On the nose berry, mint, and spice notes intermingle. Overall the wine displays outstanding balance, with rich fruit, firm acidity, and ample tannins.

Delicious and approachable in its youth, this wine will continue to evolve and mature with 5-10 years of cellaring.

Technical Notes:

Vintage:	2002
Appellation:	California
Vineyards & Varietals:	Lewis Vineyard-Merlot-63%, Gardner Vineyard-Cabernet Sauvignon-37%
Case Production:	399
Bottling Date:	April 8, 2005
Harvest Date:	November 2, 2002-Cabernet Sauvignon, September 3, 2002-Merlot
Brix:	24-25 degrees
pH:	3.65
TA:	6.7 g/l
Alcohol:	14.8%