1999 Merlot

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Tasting Notes

This elegant wine has an opaque purple color and an expressive chocoloate berry fruit-scented nose. Its dark fruit nuances are accented by earthy tones. Philippe Melka showed his winemaking skills early in his career as he crafted this wine which now in its maturity shows extraordinary character.

Ratings

Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate (Aug. 2002) – 88 points
“The 1999 Merlot (230 cases of 100% Merlot) exhibits aromas of dried herbs, roasted espresso, earth, black cherries, and chocolate…[R]ich, medium-bodied, and moderately tannic…”

Vineyard Notes

Seavey’s sixth estate-produced Merlot, the 1999, was made from Merlot grapes grown primarily on a gradually sloping east-facing block near the top of the vineyard. TThe 1999 vintage, like the 1997, benefited from a long, cool growing season followed by higher than average temperatures in late September. Harvest during the first three weeks of October allowed for extended hang-time, and this enhanced the wine’s good balance and rich concentration of fruit flavors.

Production Notes

Winemaking style followed classic Bordeaux methods. Following fermentation, the wine was aged in French oak barrels (40% new oak) for 18 months before bottling on May 24, 2001.