|
 The
Season
Ideal conditions marked the 1995 growing season in the Alexander
Valley. Following torrential and uncharacteristically late rains
was one of the most moderate ripening seasons in recent memory.
The Chalk Hill grapes were able to mature on the vines gradually
over a longer period of time. The perfectly ripened fruit from this
second crop of more mature vines made an elegant yet complex, powerful
wine.
The Harvest
| • |
Merlot - 800 pounds, picked October 3 & 4. |
| • |
Cabernet Sauvignon - 1600 pounds, picked October 3 & 4. |
| • |
Cabernet Franc - 120 pounds, picked October 3& 4. |
| • |
23.6 degree Brix vineyard average. |
Fermentation
| • |
Merlot - 8 days skin contact. |
| • |
Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc - 3 days of cold soak
prior to fermentation for maximum color and phenolic extraction;
10 days total skin contact before pressing. |
| • |
Juices inoculated with Montrachet yeast. |
Cellaring
Following fermentation, wines went immediately into three 60 gallon
new and neutral French oak barrels. Varietal lots kept separate
until January, 1996 at the time of the first of three total rackings.
20 months barrel aging and one year bottle aging are planned. 675
litres total production.
The Wine
1995 Reflections Meritage is a Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet
Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc from the Kreck Estate Vineyard
on Chalk Hill in Alexander Valley. The young vines produce a low-tonnage
yield of small berries. The current vintage is ruby-colored, of
moderate body and weight with a graceful finish. Primary flavors
of black cherry with spicy, smoky oak notes make this wine rich
and powerful for a lengthy cellaring life.
Availability
- Sold Out -
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