Merlot
Napa Valley 2008
Vintage
Mother Nature provided a dramatic vintage in 2008. Due to a dry Spring, vines pushed early and fell victim to one of the longest and deepest frost periods in decades. Shortly thereafter, during bloom, temperatures soared and further damaged the potential crop, resulting in fewer clusters and smaller berries. The Summer season proved cool, but gave us a week of high temperatures around Labor Day that threw the cellar into a breakneck pace with many early-ripening varieties. The season ended with relatively cool temperatures, providing some much-needed hangtime for Cabernet Sauvignon . Overall, the vintage was marked by low yields, yet high quality; the wines are proving to be well-structured, concentrated, and elegant.
Vineyards
The backbone of this Merlot is derived from the Truchard Vineyard in Carneros, where half the grapes are sourced from a relatively cool region. The balance of fruit is sourced from Chiles Valley, adding layers of rich fruit to the palate. The small berry clusters and intense fruit from low-yielding vines create a wine with full flavor and longevity.
Vinification
Vineyards were hand-picked at the peak of maturity. Following harvest, the grapes were gently crushed and fermented. The wines were then aged in small French oak barrels with extended lees contact for twenty-one months. Only 35% new barrels were used to maintain maximum fruit flavors with just a hint of toasty oak.
Tasting Notes
Sweet cherry, ripe plum, hints of vanilla and overtones of anise and aged leather appear in the aroma. On the palate, this generous wine features cherry, plum and blackberry fruit with supple tannins and a lingering finish.
Ratings & Reviews
89 points, Editors' Choice
"This is a really nice wine. It tastes like Merlot should, soft and fruity. Shows cherry, violet, bacon and sandalwood flavors that finish long and spicy. Great value for a wine of this quality. Drink now."
- Wine Enthusiast Magazine, November 2010 Download PDF
88 points
"Sleek and supple, with currant and toasty vanilla aromas and modestly structured cherry, sage and tomato-leaf flavors that finish with ripe but firm tannins. Drink now through 2014."
- T.F., Wine Spectator, August 9, 2010 Download PDF
Best New Wine Deals
Waterstone gets the majority of its fruit from Napa Valley’s Truchard Vineyards, one of the largest and best vineyards in the region. The wine is lush and deeply flavorful, reminiscent of ripe black cherries.
- Food & Wine Magazine, May 2010 Download PDF
88 points - 2006 Vintage
"A very dry, somewhat herbal Merlot, with a brittle, tannic mouthfeel. It has flavors of black cherries, currants and sage. Feels elegant and sophisticated in the mouth, a wine to drink now."
- S.H., Wine Enthusiast Magazine, February 2010
Technical Data:
• Varietal Composition: 100% Merlot
• Appellation: Napa Valley
• Alcohol: 14.7%
• TA: 0.63g/100ml
• pH: 3.49
• Oak Aging: 21 months
• Oak Cooperage: French oak, 30% new
• Bottling Date: February 24, 2011
• Production: 990 cases
