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2003 Hawley Merlot Vineyards This wine was estate grown and produced at Hawley Vineyards on Bradfod Mountain. Our vineyard s utilize vertical trellises and leaf pulling to maximize sunlight to the fruit and enhance flavor development. The rocky, well drained soils on Bradford Mountain restrict vine growth and yield, resulting in concentrated flavor and color. The 2003 growing season was cool and dry with a few short hot spells. We had to wait for flavor development long past what we would normally consider optimum sugar. Green clusters were removed by Paul and Austin Hawley during verasion to ensure uniform maturity. The resulting crop was light with a long hang time and produced a flovorful and concentrated wine. Winemaking Merlot and Cabernet grapes were hand harvested and vinified separately. After 7 days of cold soak, the must is allowed to warm and wild yeasts begin the fermentation. A small amount of commercial yeast is then added to insure the wine ferments to dryness. The wine is pressed off the skins and aged 20 months in 50% new French oak barrels to soften the tannins and add vanilla, spicy and toasty flavors. Careful barrel to barrel rackings every three months eliminate the need for filtration. Seven percent Cabernet Sauvignon was blended to add length and complexity Technical Appellation: Dry Creek Valley
Tasting Notes This mountain grown Merlot is deep in color with intense fruit flavors reminiscent of black cherries, currants, and black berries. On the palate it is rich and opulent, bursting with fruit, backed by chocolate and vanilla oak notes and round, chewy tannins. Though enjoyable now, this wine has the structure and intensity to improve with aging. To order this wine click here
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Hawley Merlot and grapes
Hawley Merlot Vineyard
Picking Hawley Merlot
"Merlot" by Dana Hawley- www.danahawley.com |
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