2003 Sonoma County Merlot

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WINEMAKER'S NOTES
Simi Winery Merlot expresses the perfect combination of our vine-specific vineyard care and the meticulous attention paid to the details in the vineyard. The lavish attention each vine receives allows Simi’s winemaking staff to practice winemaking with very minimal manipulation, resulting in wines that are true expressions of the diversity of Sonoma County.

Sonoma County’s cool mornings and warm afternoons combined with unique characteristics of soil, slope and sunshine make Simi Winery Merlot elegant and balanced with pleasing hints of clove, cocoa and violets.

THE WINE
Appearance:  Dark garnet
Aroma:  Bright notes of cherry, cranberry and blackberry accented with aromas of clove, cocoa and violets.
Taste and Texture:  Upfront red berry fruit leads to a medium bodied wine with elegance and balance.


VINEYARDS
Appellation:  Sonoma County

WINEMAKING DETAILS
Winemaker: Steve Reeder
Varietal composition:  91% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon
Oak Aging:  12 months in French and American oak, 23% new
Total acidity:  6.0 g/l
pH:  3.67
Alcohol:  13.5%
Release Date: August 2005
Cases Produced: 28,221

Add our merlot to the menu when serving braised short ribs, grilled pork chops, soy-glazed quail or one of these featured recipes:

Herb Marinated Leg of Lamb and Pasta with Grilled Eggplant, Olives and Sun-dried Tomatoes

Grilled Chicken Breasts with Triple Onion and Red Wine Risotto