Woodward Canyon Nelms Road Merlot 1998

This wine was harvested at an average brix of 24. A slower, longer ripening gave lively balance to a deeply fruited wine, rich with cherry, cassis, and chocolate. The wine was fermented in small stainless steel tanks and punched down or pumped over three times per day. This merlot was aged in two-thirds French oak and one-third American oak. While this wine is of medium body, it will match up very nicely with wood oven roasted chicken and pasta. There is ample fruit to age this wine comfortably for five or more years but I believe it will be best enjoyed young.