The great red wines of the "Right Bank" of Bordeaux, the wines of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, are predominantly composed of Merlot.
Chalk Hill Merlot seems to thrive in soils that have a large component of clay which restricts vigor and enhances the potential for tannin development. In the quest for balanced vines, Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP), cluster thinning, and selective leaf pulling, are techniques applied to obtain completely mature fruit with great, deep color and supple tannins.
Each year, the Merlot is augmented with complementary Bordeaux varietals. The resulting blend enhances and expands the flavor profile, color and bouquet.
With each vintage, Chalk Hill is blessed with excellent growing conditions. Occasional years are superlative and those few vintages warrant a spotlight. Adele's Vineyard, named in honor of the Furth's granddaughter, is on thin, clay-loam soil of great potential for great Merlot. Picked in multiple passes as each row reaches optimum ripeness, the individual lots of wine are further selected down to a mere twenty-or-less barrels. It is 100% Merlot - a true, unfettered expression of the varietal and site.
| > 1999 Adele's Vineyard Merlot |  |
| > 1998 Adele's Vineyard Merlot | |
| > 1997 Peter's Vineyard Merlot | |
