2005 Ahnfeldt Napa Valley Merlot

You are about to enter Big Merlot territory!
It's not always easy to explain why some vineyards are great for certain varieties, but the Ahnfeldt Hardman vineyard is certainly an amazing Merlot vineyard year after year. The 2005 vintage is a wonderful example of the power potential of this vineyard.

Dark ruby red color, saturated rim, cherry, black cherry, toasty oak with notes of cassis, vanilla and raspberry.

The entry is full, round, and intense with loads of fruit and a great mid-pallette. The mouth coating tannins and moderate acidity create a lingering finish.

Our 2005 Merlot is a blend of 89% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. All of the grapes are from our vineyards..

The Merlot grapes are from our 5.5 acre Hardman Vineyard near Silverado County Club, which we developed and planted in 1997. The Cabernet grapes are from our 3.5 acre Kreuse Canyon Hillside Vineyard planted in 1997 in southeast Napa, and from our Monticello Vineyard planted in 1999.

Technical Notes
Merlot, Hardman Vineyard
Clone: #181
Picked Hand: 10/11/05
Brix: 27.5
PH: 3.65
TA: .41

Cabernet Sauvignon, Kreuse Canyon Vineyard
Clone: #4
Picked Hand: 9/30/05
Brix: 25.3
PH: 3.63
TA: .53

Cabernet Sauvignon, Monticello Vineyard
Clone: #337,4
Picked Hand: 10/10/05
Brix: 26.5
PH: 3.58
TA: .47 Fermented in tanks for 10-14 days
Malolactic fermentation in barrels
Barrels are 100% French Oak from 5 cooperages; 50% new
Aged 22 months in barrels
Bottled July 2007