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Chalone Vineyard Merlot Monterey(2003)
- Winery:
- Chalone Vineyard
- Varietal:
- Merlot
- Region:
- USA > California > Monterey
- Type:
- Red Wine
ABOUT THE WINE
The grapes for our Monterey County wines come from several vineyard blocks in the southern part of the 75-mile long Salinas Valley. This rich, soft Merlot is both full of flavor and very approachable. Berry, plum, and licorice combine with an underlying note of peppermint tea to create a fascinating varietal aroma. The flavors are full of cherries, fresh plums, and thyme, accentuated by the soft vanilla character of the oak for richness and complexity. This Merlot is full-bodied with nicely-balanced acidity, a velvety mouthfeel and medium-long finish. Our Monterey Merlot read more...is a complex wine that would complement grilled pork tenderloin or rich cheeses like creamy brie.
ABOUT THE VINEYARDS
We source the grapes for our Monterey County Merlot from small canyons in the southern part of the Salinas Valley. Warmer inland temperatures in these areas moderate the cool Pacific breezes, often varying day and nighttime temperatures in the summer by as much as sixty degrees. These temperature fluctuations give the grapes a long hang time on the vine. By the time they are harvested, the grapes have developed very rich, ripe fruit flavors with refreshing acidity and perfect balance.
ABOUT THE VINTAGE
2003 started out warmly, then progressed to one of the wettest Aprils ever recorded. A heat spell in late spring caused poor set in many varieties, ultimately increasing flavor intensity. After a hot summer, the weather cooled, giving the grapes time to develop flavor maturity before harvest. (hide)
The grapes for our Monterey County wines come from several vineyard blocks in the southern part of the 75-mile long Salinas Valley. This rich, soft Merlot is both full of flavor and very approachable. Berry, plum, and licorice combine with an underlying note of peppermint tea to create a fascinating varietal aroma. The flavors are full of cherries, fresh plums, and thyme, accentuated by the soft vanilla character of the oak for richness and complexity. This Merlot is full-bodied with nicely-balanced acidity, a velvety mouthfeel and medium-long finish. Our Monterey Merlot read more...is a complex wine that would complement grilled pork tenderloin or rich cheeses like creamy brie.
ABOUT THE VINEYARDS
We source the grapes for our Monterey County Merlot from small canyons in the southern part of the Salinas Valley. Warmer inland temperatures in these areas moderate the cool Pacific breezes, often varying day and nighttime temperatures in the summer by as much as sixty degrees. These temperature fluctuations give the grapes a long hang time on the vine. By the time they are harvested, the grapes have developed very rich, ripe fruit flavors with refreshing acidity and perfect balance.
ABOUT THE VINTAGE
2003 started out warmly, then progressed to one of the wettest Aprils ever recorded. A heat spell in late spring caused poor set in many varieties, ultimately increasing flavor intensity. After a hot summer, the weather cooled, giving the grapes time to develop flavor maturity before harvest. (hide)
