 |  |  Country: USA
Region: California
| WS | 89 |  |
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Located in the northern reaches of the Alexander Valley, the Lyon Vineyard, owned by winemaker Mark Lyon, forms the core of this wine, supplying the Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec. The rich soil is a blend of well drained, gravel and sandy loam soils, which controls vigor, water, and nutrient uptake. This vineyard site produces expressive, elegant and intense red wines. The base of the Alexander Valley Merlot is from both the Old Vine Block (planted in 1973) and Clone #3, (planted in 1995). The Cabernet Sauvignon is from both the Lyon Vineyard and the Oliver Vineyard, which is located in Geyserville. The Petite Verdot is sourced from the Rancho Miguel vineyard, nearby Jimtown, for bright, ripe fruit notes. A very small amount of Merlot was from the A. Cuneo Vineyard, located in Carneros was blended in to add a cooler climate flavor profile to the blend.
This Merlot is dark crimson in color with ruby tints. The aromas display more black tea and black cherry, with little herbaceousness . Using 40% New Saury French Oak lends notes of espresso, dark chocolate and cinnamon. The long, even ripening developed Merlot flavors more akin to it’s native home of Pomerol with deep, earthy flavors coupled with black cherry fruit, common with California Merlots. Although more structured than past Merlots, it’s still drinkable thanks to the terroir of Alexander Valley, which showcases more exuberant berry fruits, almost like Zinfandel, yet having elegant, refined tannins. Because it is structured, it is recommended for further aging of 1 to 2 more years.
|  | |  | |  |  | |  | | | | Reviews:
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"This is what good California Merlot is all about. Sleek and supple, this retains a delicate complexity, offering currant and toasty spice aromas and lively dried cherry, sage and anise flavors. Drink now through 2014. 1,550 cases made. –TF" -Rated 89, Wine Spectator
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