Monticello Vineyards
2008 Monticello Vineyards Estate Grown Merlot
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Print: Tasting Notes
Our 2008 Estate Grown Merlot is bursting with vibrant fruit aromas of red and purple berries. This wine has a very nice balance of exuberant fruit and lively acidity. There is a light beam of vanillin oak through the finish, but the wine is largely driven by the naturally bright fruit of this cooler end of the valley.
Decant 30 Minutes Prior to Serving. Drink Now Through 2021.
– Chris Corley, Winemaker -
Vineyards:
Home Ranch Vineyard – Napa Valley, Oak Knoll District
Knollwood Vineyard – Napa Valley, Oak Knoll District
Our Merlot vineyards are planted to Clones #181 and #314 on #3309 and #420A rootstock. The grapes are lush and power packed with intense berry flavors and an abundance of bright fruit.
The components for this wine were all harvested separately based on their individual ripening characteristics. The main lot of Merlot used in this blend was the last lot that we picked in 2007. Fantastically, these grapes were able to hang on the vine until October 19, developing full ripeness of flavor and tannin, but only accumulating 22.5 brix. For this we can credit Mother Nature. The result, with a good dose of Cabernet Franc, is a ripe fully textured wine with vibrant acidity and great balance.
Oak – 18 Months in French Oak, 33% New
Alcohol: 14.1% -
Apricot-Maple Glazed Pork Chops
Braised Napa Valley Free Range Beef
Meatloaf
Merlot-Marinated Steaks with Black Truffle Vinaigrette
Penne Pasta in Creamy Tomato Sausage Sauce
Pot Roast with Wild Mushrooms and Fresh Thyme
Rack of Lamb
Red Snapper with Potatoes, Tomatoes and Red Wine
Stuffed Roast Pork
Vegetables, Pasta and Sausage in Broth