Chateau St. Jean Merlot 2003
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Premium grapes were selected from the finest vineyards in the Alexander Valley, Sonoma Valley, Knights Valley, Russian River Valley, Dry Creek and Carneros to craft the best Sonoma County Merlot. The Alexander Valley grapes highlight bright cherry flavors, while the Knights Valley and Dry Creek Valleys give cassis flavors and elegant structure. The Sonoma Valley produces black and dense grapes with supple tannins. The last components - the cooler Russian River Valley and Carneros regions - contribute black, exotic aromas and firm structure.
"This Merlot opens with a huge burst of violets, lavender, ripe plums, lovely blueberry, cherry
and cassis scents. Spicy oak and polished tannins even the balance in this lush, rich Merlot
that pulls up bittersweet chocolate and finishes with cedar and black cherry fruit notes."
-Margo Van Staaveren, Winemaker
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2001-
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Founded in 1973 in the Sonoma Valley, Chateau St. Jean is the quintessential Sonoma winery. Chateau St. Jean produces an extensive portfolio of Sonoma County wines as well as vineyard designated wines, limited production Reserve wines, and the flagship Cinq Cépages Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaker Margo Van Staaveren uses her more than 30 years of vineyard and winemaking expertise with Chateau St. Jean to continue the tradition of highlighting the best of each vineyard site to produce exceptional wines. Chateau St. Jean was the first Sonoma winery to be awarded the prestigious “Wine of the Year” award from Wine Spectator Magazine for its 1996 Cinq Cépages, a Bordeaux style blend of “five varieties” and has long been recognized as a leader in vineyard designated wines.