2011 Meritage 1.5L
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In Stock
Wine Specs
Vintage
2011
Varietal
Meritage
Appellation
Napa Valley
Harvest Date
October 10 - November 3 2011
Acid
5.6 g/L
pH
3.9
Alcohol %
14.5
Wine Profile
Vineyard Notes
Unlike the majority of our wines that are single-vineyard, this wine is a blend of choice lots
from several of our prime estate vineyards. We hand select barrels of Cabernet from our
Central Park West Vineyard in St. Helena, our Cloud’s Nest Vineyard on Mt. Veeder and our
Mario’s Vineyard surrounding the winery in St. Helena; Merlot from our Vista Montone Vineyard
in Southern Napa; Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc from our Central Park West Vineyard in St.
Helena; and Malbec from our Haystack Vineyard on Atlas Peak.
Production Notes
The 2011 growing season began with a wet cool spring. Rainfall lasted into the middle of June
affecting bloom and diminishing yields in many vineyards. The cool weather trend continued all
summer delaying ripening throughout Napa Valley. Since we are estate, we diligently monitor
all our vineyards, adjusting our viticultural practices frequently. It was necessary to significantly
open up the vine canopies to ensure adequate sun exposure, air circulation and ripening.
Overall flavors in the grapes were achieved at lower sugar levels making lower alcohol wines
that exhibit finesse and balance.
Winemaker Notes
“This is my favorite wine to make because I get to choose from all our estates to craft a wine
that is layered and approachable upon release. Cabernet is the backbone, Petit Verdot adds
color and aromatics, Merlot contributes to the mid-palate and the aromatics, Malbec adds
a wonderful juiciness, and Cabernet Franc elongates the finish. It starts with white pepper,
candied violets and blackberry flower aromas and then leads into concentrated layers of
black and red fruit flavors. This is a structured wine, yet is soft and luscious and eminently
drinkable upon release.” – Mario Monticelli
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