< 1997 Peter's Vineyard Merlot
COMPLETE TASTING NOTES
The vines in Peter’s Vineyard are the oldest Merlot on the Chalk Hill Estate. The vineyard was planted in 1982 with a field selection from vines located further north on Chalk Hill Road. This premier block lies on a southwest-facing slope with shallow clay-loam soil and excellent drainage. The exposure and the moderating soil have naturally limited yields to under three tons per acre over the years, making it an ideal choice for the first release of Merlot in our portfolio of Estate Vineyard Selection wines. The winemaking emphasized rudimentary Old World techniques. De-stemmed fruit was gently crushed and both primary and malolactic fermentations were natural. Extraction was extended two weeks past dryness, softening the tannins and heightening the complexity. The free run wine was aged in predominantly new French oak and racked every four months. The wine required no amelioration during its production, and is unfined and unfiltered. The 1997 vintage has been lauded extensively, and the Peter’s Vineyard Merlot is exemplary. The wine is a vivid ruby red, with a bouquet dense in raspberry, lavender and plum infused with smoke and chocolate. This full-bodied Merlot is plushly textured and the succulent tannins mesh seamlessly into the intense flavors and chewy, lingering finish. As a culinary delight, savor this wine with Muscovy Duck and Wild Rice Compote, or pair it with Roasted Elk and Root Vegetables for the ultimate food extravaganza
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
- Vineyard:
- Peter's Vineyard
- Appellation:
- Chalk Hill
- Ageing:
- Twenty-three months, 61% new French oak
- Fermentation:
- Native yeast, Native malolactic
- Harvested:
- September 26, 1997, Brix 24.5°, T.A. 5.9 g/l, T.A. 5.9 g/l
- Bottled:
- September 21, 1999, T.A. 6.2 g/l, pH 3.41
