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1997 Fetzer Barrel Select Merlot
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ACID/pH:
.61/3.54
ALCOHOL:
13.5%
RESIDUAL
SUGAR: 0.02%
BOTTLED:
4/99
RELEASE
DATE: 7/99
CASES
PRODUCED: 28,000
SUGG.
RETAIL (CA): $14.99
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WINEMAKER
NOTES
The main
goal for John White, Winemaker for Fetzer Barrel Select, is to create
a superb blend of the finest Merlot North Coast vineyards have to
offer. As a follow-up to the award winning 1996 Barrel Select Merlot,
this wine certainly lives up to the high quality heritage of its
predecessor.
A warm
fermentation in stainless steel tanks was followed by twelve months
of aging exclusively in French oak barrels. Many of the oak barrels
where this wine ages are made at Mendocino Cooperage, the winery’s
on-site cooperage. Direct winemaker interaction with Mendocino Cooperage
allows us to fully control the ‘variables’ of barrel making, from
wood selection to toast levels. The result is barrels that meet
our exact specifications, adding desired flavors, softness, and
complexity of our Barrel Select wines.
TASTING NOTES
1997 Fetzer Barrel Select Merlot is medium-dark purple, with a nose
of raspberry jam, clove, and mint with delicate nuances of eucalyptus
and vanilla. In the mouth, flavors of blackberry and chocolate meld
with cola, clove and gentle tannins. The wine's medium acidity and
soft tannins result in a long, velvety finish. This full-bodied,
balanced Merlot is supple enough for immediate enjoyment, but has
the structure and complexity to allow continuing improvement in
the bottle for five to seven years.
GRAPE
SOURCING
The 1997 Barrel Select Merlot is made with
100% Merlot from Sonoma (75%), Mendocino (20%), and Napa (5%) Counties.
The grapes were harvested in October 1997, at an average sugar of
24° Brix.
FOOD
RECOMMENDATIONS
The balanced, supple flavors of Fetzer Barrel
Select Merlot are a perfect match for beef and lamb. Peppered or
herbed roasts and hearty stews are also fine companions for this
wine. Enjoy it with fresh, flavorful herb and tomato-sauced pastas
and other full flavored vegetarian fare.
AGING
All of the wine was aged twelve months
in new- to three-year-old 100% French oak barrels made at our on-site
facility, Mendocino Cooperage.
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