2016 Silenus Merlot

Vineyard Notes:

Merlot from the Ranch 9 Vineyard underpins this wine and provides rich, red fruit tones to the mid-palate. The Ranch 9 Vineyard is located at the Southeast end of the Oak Knoll District. Due to its proximity to the San Pablo Bay, this vineyard tends to be cooler during the afternoon, which is critical for growing rich and complex Merlot.

The final blend is completed with Cabernet Sauvignon from our estate vineyard in Oak Knoll District in Napa Valley.  This is a very special location adjacent to Dry Creek and the vineyard has a long history of producing extraordinary Cabernet Sauvignon. From the 1970’s through the early 2000’s a portion of the vineyard was sold to Robert Mondavi and used in his Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Mr. Mondavi would personally visit each year to inspect and review the vineyard.

All of the wine was aged in 40% new French oak, 10% new American oak (both medium plus and heavy toast), and 50% neutral barrels for 22 months.

Tasting Notes:

Lovely aromas of ripe plums, violets, vanilla and oak grace the nose. Bright and lush red fruit flavors of black raspberry and plum are followed by dark chocolate on the mid-palate. The finish is very long and clean with reverberating flavors of wild berries and toasted vanilla. This Merlot is wonderfully balanced with fruit, acidity, and oak all contributing to a classy and delicious wine.

Blend:

76% Merlot: Ranch 9 Monticello Road

24% Cabernet Sauvignon: Estate Vineyards, Oak Knoll

Specs:

Harvest date:

Merlot: September 15, 2016
Cabernet Sauvignon: October 10, 2016

Bottling date: July 17, 2018

Cases produced: 400

Bottle size: 750 mL

Titratable Acidity: 6.00 g/L

pH: 3.61

Alcohol: 14.5%

Winemaker: Bradley Smith