 The
Season
Warm temperatures and relatively low rainfall amounts throughout the
entire growing year resulted in a very early harvest. The Alexander
Valley vineyard's overall production was up slightly over the first
two harvests, although the young vines' output was no more than two
tons per acre. The grapes in this third harvest ripened quickly but
evenly, and were consistent in character with previous years' fruit
- small berry size, flavorful juice, brilliant ruby color.
The Harvest
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Cabernet Sauvignon - 2,000 pounds, picked September 12. |
| • |
Merlot - 1,000 pounds, picked September 9. |
| • |
Cabernet Franc - 200 pounds, picked September 9. |
Fermentation
The varietal lots were kept separate during fermentation. All the
juice received 12 days of skin contact; the cabernet sauvignon went
into tanks with pump over throughout the process, the merlot went
into small open-top fermenters with punch down.
Juices were fermented with Bordeaux Red Yeast for a steady, moderate
fermentation with a dependable finish.
Cellaring
295 gallons total production.
After crushing and fermentation, the wines aged by separate varietal
lots for three months until initial blending at the first racking
in December. The resulting Reflections blend went into five 60-gallon
French oak barrels, two of which were new; the wood is Nevers with
a medium toast. The wine spent 21 months in the barrels, during
which it was racked once more for clarity.
Packaging
The total presentation enhances the elegance of the wine. Smoky-hued
Antique Green bottles with applied acrylic labeling are individually
hand polished and tissue wrapped. Branded wooden boxes hold 12 bottles.
The Wine
1996 Reflections Meritage is a blend of three classic Bordeaux varietals
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc - with strong flavors
of cherry touched by chocolate, berries, a variety of herbs and
slight spice from the considerable barrel aging are all evident.
With slightly more body than the earlier two blends, and a long,
supple finish, this Reflections blend is elegant, subtly powerful,
and will age beautifully.
Availability
- Sold Out -
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