2013 Lolita Merlot
Vineyards: the grapes are sourced from 2 vineyards on Mt. Veeder:1. Merlot: Yates Family Vineyard, 1000’ elevation; 10% from Wing Canyon
2. Cab: Wing Canyon Vineyard, 1000’ elevation
Fermentation: Small open fermenters; Punch down 3 times per day
Yeast: Cepage Cabernet; 15-day average fermentation; Press off to barrel; Inoculate for malo-lactic fermentation (viniflora oenos)
Alcohol: 15.1% by Volume
Barrels: new and older French Bordeaux Traditional barrels
Barrel Time: 30 months
Blend: 97% Merlot, 3% Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Production: 192 cases
Wine Label: Kathy Dennett
Tasting Notes: Only 192 cases of this ruby red nectar were produced. It opens with waves of floral and fruit flavors, violets and juicy mulberries, cherries and plums with a backbone of spicy cinnamon, wild anise and black pepper followed by hints of candied grapefruit peel, nutmeg, vanilla and the usual mountain bramble. Yum!
$40/bottle, $432/case SOLD OUT
2014 Lolita Merlot
Vineyards: The grapes are sourced from 2 vineyards on Mt. Veeder:Merlot: Yates Family Vineyard, 1000’ elevation, 10% from Wing Canyon
Harvest dates: September 27 through October 10, 2014
Fermentation: Small, open fermenters; Punch down 3 times per day.
Yeast: Cepage Cabernet; 19-day average fermentation; Press off to barrel; Inoculate for malo-lactic fermentation (viniflora oenos)
Alcohol: 14% by Volume
Barrels: 1 YEAR IN NEW French Bordeaux Traditional barrelsplus 1 yr. in neutral Fr bbls
Barrel Time: 29 months
Blend: 100% Merlot Production: 216 cases
Wine Label: Kathy Dennett
Tasting Notes: This wine opens with a blast of Rutherford/Mt Veeder dust and aromas of ripe red fruit (cherries, mulberries and raspberries) and floral violet notes followed by hints of tarry licorice, root beer and hazelnut, with vanilla and sweet spices that accompany soft and creamy tannins.
$40/bottle, $432/case.
