Hawley Merlot 2003, Dry Creek Valley

Vineyards

This wine was estate grown and produced at Hawley Winery on Bradfod Mountain. We began growing organically in 2002. The rocky, well drained soils on Bradford Mountain restrict vine growth and yield, resulting in concentrated flavor and color. The 2003 growing season was cool and dry with a few short hot spells. We had to wait for flavor development long past what we would normally consider optimum sugar. Green clusters and second crop were removed by Paul and Austin Hawley during verasion to ensure uniform maturity. The resulting crop was light with a long hang time and produced a flovorful and concentrated wine.

Winemaking

The Merlot grapes were hand harvested, de-stemmed and crushed. After 7 days of cold soak, the must is allowed to warm and wild yeasts begin the fermentation. A small amount of commercial yeast is then added to insure the wine ferments to dryness. The wine is pressed off the skins and aged 20 months in 50% new French oak barrels to soften the tannins and add vanilla, spicy and toasty flavors. Careful barrel to barrel rackings every three months eliminate the need for filtration. 21% Cabernet Sauvignon was blended to add length and complexity

Technical

Appellation: Dry Creek Valley
Varietal Composition: 79% Merlot 21% Cabernet Sauvignon
Harvest Date: September 19, 2003
Alcohol: 13.9%
Bottling Date: July 18, 2005
Cases Bottled: 560
Release Date: Jan 1, 2008

Tasting Notes

This mountain grown Merlot is deep in color with intense fruit flavors reminiscent of black cherries, currants, and black berries. On the palate it is rich and opulent, bursting with fruit, backed by chocolate and vanilla oak notes and round, chewy tannins. Though enjoyable now, this wine has the structure and intensity to improve with aging.