St. Clement Merlot 2005

Blend: 93% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon

The grapes for this Merlot were hand harvested and fermented in a combination of open and closed top fermenters to maximize concentration and extraction in the final blend. The addition of 7 percent Cabernet Sauvignon adds structure and complexity. Each lot was aged separately in 100 percent French oak (40 percent new) for 19 months before blending.

This wine offers rich aromas of black cherry, bramble, currant and dark chocolate. The palate has a dense, concentrated core with notes of cranberry, bittersweet chocolate and a hint of smoky oak.