Wild Horse Merlot Paso Robles 2005

Winemaker's Notes:

OVERVIEW In twenty-five years, Wild Horse Winery & Vineyards has grown from its humble beginnings to take its place as one of the Central Coast's leading producers of premium varietal wines. Our success is rooted in our commitment to crafting wines that are consistently high in quality and represent a good value. Pinot Noir, the winery's flagship varietal, is sourced predominately from the Santa Barbara County appellation, while the Paso Robles appellation is the cornerstone for the red wine program at Wild Horse, which includes Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Syrah. WINEMAKER NOTES Patience during the 2005 growing season was aptly rewarded in the bottle. A cool summer in our Paso Robles vineyards was followed by intense fall heat allowed for full fruit maturation. The resulting fruit quality was excellent and helped create this deeply pigmented wine. It is Wild Horse tradition for each bottle to express its true varietal character, and it is evident here, as only a small percentage of blending varietals were used in our 2005 vintage. A portion of Cabernet Franc and very small fractions of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Grenache were blended to enrich the wine's mouthfeel and lengthen its chewy tannin finish. TASTING NOTES The 2005 Paso Robles Merlot is a reminder to everyone of why we love to drink Merlot. Aromas of boysenberry cobbler, black cherry, delicate wild strawberries and vanilla coffee bean intrigue the senses leaving your mouth watering for the flavors that come of red raspberry, plum, nutmeg, and lavender water. FOOD PAIRINGS The berry flavors, approachable tannins and balanced bright acidity make this wine a perfect pairing with a variety of cheeses and entrees. This wine pairs beautifully with cow's milk cheeses such as, Piave from the Alpine Mountains and Midnight Moon Gouda from Holland or enjoy with grilled meats, winter stews and other savory fare.