Winemaker Notes
Brassfield's twelve and a half acre block of Merlot is planted on the benches of the western hills of High Valley. The soils are of the Manzanita Series, known for their excellent drainage and low vigor potential which translates into wines of intense concentration of fruit character and flavor development.
Brassfield 2004 Merlot has a deep, rich garnet hue, with aromas of black cherry, cola nut and cocoa. The rustic flavors of cinnamon spice, plum and bay laurel are enhanced with subtle nuances of vanilla, oak, and soy. The complexity of flavors is further enhanced by the soft middle and silky tannins that lead to a lengthy soft finish.
In 1998, the Brassfield family realized the land’s true destiny was as a world-class wine property. As a result, Brassfield Estate Winery & Vineyard was established. With the new estate vineyards increased production, the winery has grown with additional tank & barrel storage capacity and a state-of-the-art crushing facility.
Reaching up California's coastline and into its valleys north of San Francisco, the North Coast AVA includes six counties: Marin, Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake. While Napa and Sonoma enjoy most of the glory, the rest produce no shortage of quality wines in an intriguing and diverse range of styles.
Climbing up the state's rugged coastline, the chilly Marin County, just above the City and most of Sonoma County, as well as Mendocino County on the far north end of the North Coast successfully grow cool-climate varieties like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and in some spots, Riesling. Inland Lake County, on the other hand, is considerably warmer, and Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc produce some impressive wines with affordable price tags.
With generous fruit and supple tannins, Merlot is made in a range of styles from everyday-drinking to world-renowned and age-worthy. Merlot is the dominant variety in the wines from Bordeaux’s Right Bank regions of St. Emilion and Pomerol, where it is often blended with Cabernet Franc to spectacular result. Merlot also frequently shines on its own, particularly in California’s Napa Valley. Somm Secret—As much as Miles derided the variety in the 2004 film, Sideways, his prized 1961 Château Cheval Blanc is actually a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc.