Pine Ridge Merlot Crimson Creek 2002

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3 Reviews

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Winery:

Pine Ridge Winery

Varietal:

Merlot

Region:

USA > California > Napa

Type:

Red Wine

Color:

Drink Dates:

Drink Now - 2010

UPC:

 

User Tags:  resinous, oak, color descriptors, fruit, spice, stone fruits, steak, (tree) fruit, cherry, beef 

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What to Expect

Merlot has gotten a bad rap as of late but there is no denying the wine's appeal. Packed with deep, dark berry fruit and nuanced hints of cocoa, herb and earth with a soft structure. Its velvety texture makes Merlot instantly appealing and an obvious alternative to similar, more tannic Bordeaux varieties.

Winemakers Notes

ORIGIN: Sourced from our Napa Valley estate vineyards, this wine consists of Merlot (85%), Cabernet Sauvignon (8%), Cabernet Franc (3%), Malbec (2%) and Petit Verdot (2%). This Bordeaux style blending contributes structure, complexity and ageability to the wine.

VINEYARD: Our vineyards are densely planted to as many as 4,000 vines per acre. The resulting stress on the vines enhances flavor concentration and complexity in the grapes. The Merlot portion is a blend of clones 181 from France and #3 from U.C. Davis. Fruit was hand-harvested from our estate vineyards in Rutherford, read more...Carneros, Oakville, and the Stags Leap District from September until mid-October of 2002.

WINEMAKING: The wine underwent an extended maceration period of up to 30 days to develop supple tannins. Following a 19 month aging period in heavily toasted, chateau-style French oak barrels, the wine was bottled without fining in July of 2004.

ORIGINAL TASTING NOTES: This graceful medium to full bodied Merlot opens with aromas of boysenberry, blueberry, blackberry and creamy cherry with hints of menthol tobacco and green peppercorn. The mid-palate, round and sweet, reveals juicy flavors of cherry, blueberry and cooked berries. The long toasty finish boasts chewy tannins and nicely cloaking fruit flavors of cherry and red currant with a hint of spice. This wine may be enjoyed now or you may choose to cellar it for up to eight years.

CURRENT TASTING NOTES: The 2002 Crimson Creek Merlot is full of big, ripe berry and cherry fruit aromas with a delicate spicy, peppery flavor. The body and tannins are well balanced, coupled with a rich, extended finish. Drink 2010-2012.

FOOD PAIRINGS: Morel Mushroom Asparagus Tart with Black Peppercorn Cream or Grilled Duck Breast with Green Beans Provençale

CHEESE PAIRING: Abbaye de Belloc

The vintage produced 14,225 (750ml) cases.    (hide)

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