Nickel & Nickel Harris Vineyard Merlot 2015
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Harris Vineyard is located in western Oakville, just east of the Branding Iron Vineyard. Nickel & Nickel's five acres are comprised of two blocks that offer a southern exposure and soil of gravelly clay loam. Thinning passes allow each cluster to hang freely, optimizing the trellis system, and taking advantage of the warm climate to reach full maturity.
The Harris Merlot is very consistent from vintage to vintage, and this wine is no exception. Beautiful berry and plum fruit integrate with flavors of sage, cigar, earth and dried herb. This vintage has an appealing dusty element and the oak adds a hint of char. The silky texture and round tannins carry these flavors through to a long, balanced finish.
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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.