WINEMAKER'S NOTES
Additional hang time in 2001 fostered the slow progression toward full maturity, richness, weight, and flavor concentration. With minimal intervention, the berries were destemmed and allowed to progress in small tanks through native fermentations then coaxed to extract layers of vineyard-derived flavor and concentrated texture. Aged in barrel for twenty-one months, and blended with additional Bordeaux varietals that amplify the voice of the estate, the wine brims with red currants, earthy plum, mocha and cigar box aromas. The sweet mid-palate punctuates the silky, supple, seductive texture that lingers through the finish.
Complete Winemaker Notes
REVIEW
Robert Parker awards the 2001 Estate Bottled Chalk Hill Merlot 89 Points
Complete Review
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
- Blend:
- 77% Merlot, 13% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot
- Appelation:
- Chalk Hill, Sonoma County
- Ageing:
- Twenty-one months, 50% new French oak
- Harvested:
- September 10 - October 16, 2001, Brix 25.0°, T.A. 5.1 g/l, pH 3.79
- Bottled:
- August 25, 2003, T.A. 5.9 g/l, alc 14.5% pH 3.75
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