WINEMAKER'S NOTES
THE BENEFITS OF THE 2002 VINTAGE are the result of nearly two weeks of additional autumnal “hang time.” The aroma and flavor components in this vintage are forward and lush. The destemmed berries were allowed to progress in small tanks through a native yeast fermentation and persuaded to give up their layers of vineyard-derived flavor and velvety texture. Interlaced with complementary Bordeaux varietals, the wine offers up red currants, earthy plum, mocha and cigar box aromas. The sweet entry punctuates the silky, supple, seductive mid-palate and carries through the finish.
Complete Winemaker Notes
REVIEW
Wine Enthusiast awards the 2002 Chalk Hill Estate Bottled Merlot 92 Points
Complete Review
Restaurant Wine awards the 2002 Estate Bottled Merlot 4 ½ Stars
Complete Review
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
- Blend:
- 76% Merlot, 20% Malbec, 4% Cabernet Franc
- Vineyard:
- 100% Chalk Hill Estate
- Appelation:
- Chalk Hill, Sonoma County
- Ageing:
- Seventeen month, 50% new French oak
- Fermentation:
- 100% native yeasts, 100% native malolactic
- Harvested:
- September 25 - October 22, 2002, Brix 24.4, T.A. 5.5 g/l, pH 3.60
- Bottled:
- May 24, 2004, T.A. 5.5 g/l, alc 15.0% pH 3.80
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