Fife Merlot Napa Valley Spring Mountain District(2004)

Merlot From A Higher Source The home property for Fife Vineyards is a 56-acre parcel on Spring Mountain at an elevation between 1600 and 1800 feet. About eight acres are planted to Bordeaux varieties. My family purchased the land because its soils and exposure are perfect for growing cabernet sauvignon. Virtually every neighbor has a renowned vineyard. The Growing SeasonOur vineyard has exceptionally well-drained soils with excellent sun exposure. Thus, varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon consistently reach full maturity. The home vineyard site was chosen for the altitude, exposures, read more...and cooling afternoon breezes, which help avoid heat build-up and preserve acidity. The 2004 harvest started and ended early. After an early spring and bud break, we had a moderately warm growing season that allowed slow and steady ripening. Late summer hot spells didn't affect our Spring Mountain vineyards as much as valley floor vineyards. However, our harvest was two weeks ahead of the previous year. Yields were light and we are very happy with the quality resulting in intense deep color extraction, round tannins, rich ripe and jammy flavors and good underlying acidity -- a perfect combination for long-term aging potential.The WinemakingOur winemaking philosophy is simple: obtain grapes with personality, handle them minimally, and then focus on blending to bring out nuance and character in the wine. We depend upon the vineyard to create the fruit, the density and the concentration. In the winemaking process we seek to assure balance, elegance, texture and length of flavor. The 2004 Reserve Merlot was aged in used French oak barrels for about 28 months and was bottled in late July 2007. Tasting NotesWe love merlot that opens with aromas of dark chocolate and dark berries and this one does precisely that. On the palate, the wine is full bodied and extremely rich, has great balance, and is very seamless with tannins as soft as felt and flavors reminiscent of blackberries, bing cherries, liquorish, and cassis on a mocha background. We think the 2004 is very elegant -- lots of subtle spices in the nose and palate, great richness, and a long lush finish.Download Printable Version    (hide)