Winemaker Notes
-Wine News
Three Palms Vineyard lies one-half mile southeast of the winery, on the outwash of Selby Creek where it spills out of Dutch Henry Canyon and across the Silverado Trail. For millennia, when Selby Creek flooded, rocks and small boulders were carried on to the vineyard, creating an alluvial fan soil type. The rocky soil stresses the vines, creating intense and concentrated fruit more typical of a mountain vineyard. In addition, the rocks tend to retain heat longer and more efficiently, insulating the fruit at night. These elements work together to create a unique microclimate and an incredible vineyard from which to source grapes.
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.