Coho Michael Black Vineyard Merlot 2012
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Michael Black Vineyard, planted in 1987, lies on a hillside in Coombsville strewn with gravel, rocks, and small boulders. Michael Black propagated a unique clone that produces small berries and clusters that limit over plumping while contributing structure in the fruit. The cool climate of Coombsville promotes spicy aromatics and refined tannins. Average yields are less than 1.5 tons/acre. The 2012 Michael Black Vineyard Merlot is a truly delicious wine that is a benchmark for what Napa Merlot can be. Licorice, blackberry, and black olive offer a wide spectrum of aromas. It is a richly layered wine that delivers lots of spicy red and black fruit flavors with a fleshy and succulent mouthfeel. This is a highly structured wine whose complexities will evolve for another 5-10 years.
Other Vintages
2013-
James
Suckling
Our choice of Coho as the name of our brand might seem curious as it doesn’t invoke images of vineyards or wine, but to us the salmon embodies an innate wisdom so essential to understanding ourselves and our environment. As stewards of the land winemakers must strive to sustain our habitat and the species that share it. And like the salmon we need the steadfast will to keep going no matter how difficult the journey.
As Napa Valley’s third most planted grape, Napa Valley Merlot shows time and time again its potential to produce exceptional results. Napa’s vaunted combination of climate, soil and the human factor of winemaking expertise lead to big, ripe, cellar-worthy and world-class versions.
Whether made by itself in single varietal bottlings or as an important role in Bordeaux Blends, Merlot continues a prominent role in this famous region. While Cabernet typically takes the lead role, Merlot’s contribution—even at 10% to 20% or so—is significant indeed. Often described as “the flesh on Cabernet’s bones,” Merlot lends a soft, round and plush character that beautifully complements Cabernet’s linear, full-throttle structure. Its flavors of plums plus subtle herbs and mint also dovetail nicely with Cabernet’s blackberry and cassis.