Schug 2002 Merlot Heritage Reserve

Winemaker Tasting Notes:
Our Heritage Reserve Merlot is blended in the Bordeaux tradition using Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon for maximum complexity. The Merlot is sourced from the cool Carneros region, where the extremely long growing season allows this varietal to ripen slowly, developing maximum varietal character and depth of flavor while retaining bright acidity. It has a spicy bouquet of lavender and mint, rich deep color and full-bodied flavors of cherry, cassis and chocolate. Try it now with lamb, duck and rich cheeses, or age it for 5 to 7 years.

Technical Notes:

Blend:	92% Merlot; 6% Cabernet Franc; 2% Cabernet Sauvignon
Harvest:	Sept. 27 - Oct. 14th, 2002
Fermentation:	14 days in stainless steel tanks, pumped over three times daily.
Aging/Oak:	20% new French oak, 20% new American oak, 60% aged in 1 to 4 year old American oak
Alcohol	14%
Acidity:	TA= 0.60 g/100ml; pH= 3.58
Release:	April 1, 2006
Production:	389 cases