Hawley Estate Merlot 2006, Hawley Vyd., Dry Creek Valley

This new release was produced from our estate Merlot. We grow three different clones of Merlot on our hillside organic vineyard. The different clones express slightly different characters and allow us to produce a more complex wine.  At the outset, the deep ruby color hints that this is no ordinary wine. One sniff, and the ripe aromas of black cherries, plums and berries virtually jump out of the glass. In the mouth, the flavors blossom revealing spicy notes, oak vanilla and complex fruit flavors that carry into the long finish. Aging for 24 months in French oak barrels (50% new) has helped to soften the tannin structure and make this wine more approachable even though it is still relatively young. We blended in 12% estate Cabernet Sauvignon to accentuate the finish.

This wine is delicious now, but will continue to improve with further cellaring for at least ten more years.