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2009 SPELLBOUND Merlot, CALIFORNIA

Vineyard & Harvest Notes

At harvest we look for lush plump berries as they lend themselves to creating soft friendly tannins and opulent balanced berry flavors in our Merlot. The larger berries tend to have more approachable rounded flavors which, which a key stylistic signature of Spellbound. We look for the grape's maximum grape maturity by sampling and tasting grapes in the field, technical information is not enough, we must taste to determine the magic moment of harvest. For Spellbound optimal ripeness means that the grapes are bursting with flavor yet they still retain crispness. Timing the harvest is key, as perfect ripeness provides richness of black fruits and beautiful Spellbinding balance in the wine.

Tasting Notes

Our Merlot is approachable, yet deeply rich with berry and oak flavor, providing satisfaction with every glass. The Spellbound Merlot was created to demonstrate the dark yet playful fruit profile of Merlot with its'soft fruits and aromatics of mulling spice, fresh cedar cigar box and decadent leather. You will find bright fruit mingling with a classic signature of toasted Madagascar vanilla bean and French oak. Our dark, juicy, plush wine style continues here with soft tannins that gently caress while the brambly fruit and oak character manifest in every glass.

Winemaker Notes

The balance of fruit and oak in wine is essential. Oak lends lovely components similar to the caramelized sugar atop a crème bruele or the nuances of decadent flan. It is our desire to find a balance between the oak and brambly fruits of the Spellbound Merlot. Specifically the fruit must be recognizable and pronounced not masked by the oak, yet it needs to compliments by the toasty vanilla characteristics of oak profile. Our goal, by starting with perfectly ripe fruit is to create a wine that provides harmony between the oak and the fruit flavors providing a wine that is simply put, inviting. Short fermentation times allow for maximum color and extraction while softening the influence and creating mouth water tannins. Our philosophy combines and creates varietal true, plush approachable wines that leave you Spellbound.

Wine Notes

Varietal Blend: 76% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% other proprietary red wines
Viticultural Area: California
Fermentation: 100% Stainless Steel
Aging: Stainless French & American Oak (20% New)
Titratable Acid: 5 g/L
pH: 3.8
Alcohol: 13.5%

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