TASTING NOTES
Our 2018 Leese-Fitch Merlot is bright and inviting with aromas of ripe red fruits; raspberry, cherry and pomegranate. Additional aromas of red currants, clove spice and sweet vanilla lead to a medium-bodied, juicy palate. Layers of juicy fruit flavors, black olive and notes of dried lavender add complexity. The wine is rich with incredibly smooth tannins all underpinned with good acidity leaving a long, flavorful finish.
WINEMAKER NOTES
The majority of the Merlot grapes for this wine come from the sun- drenched California regions of Lodi and Clarksburg. Lodi fruit brings bright, warm weather characteristics while the slightly cooler Clarksburg region brings the structure as well as the enticing briar patch aromas. Merlot from Wilson Vineyard in Clarksburg and the Schatz Family Vineyard in Lodi comprise the majority of the fruit. Our long-term growing partnerships with these growers allow us intimate knowledge of the vineyards and we pick the fruit at ultimate ripeness. For this 2018 vintage we added a small amount of Petite Sirah and Tempranillo to craft a very juicy and approachable wine for everyday enjoyment.
Varietal: 84% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Tempranillo , 5% Syrah Wine
Style: Red – rich and intense
Technical information: Alc. 14%
Serving temperature: 17-21°C
Bottle: 750ml
Vintage: 2017
Napa Valley, California