1998 Fetzer Eagle Peak Merlot

ACID/pH: .58/3.63 ALCOHOL: 13.0% RESIDUAL SUGAR: 0.04% (dry) BOTTLED: 8/99 RELEASE DATE: 10/99 CASES PRODUCED: 692,000 SUGG. RETAIL (CA): $8.99

WINEMAKER NOTES
Merlot is one of America's most popular wines, and this delightful interpretation of the varietal shows why Eagle Peak is America's best selling Merlot. 1998 was a bit of a challenge for winegrowers, though quality from the vintage was good to very good overall. Rains in spring kept conditions cool through June. The cool summer meant that grapes had more time on the vines to ripen and gain complexity, and, thankfully, a big burst of heat in October pushed sugar levels to desired amounts. The 1998 Fetzer Eagle Peak Merlot is dark purple in color. Bright cherry and berry fruit with a touch of eucalyptus meld with sweet oak-spice and vanilla aromas in the nose. In the mouth, ripe cherry and dark berry flavors mingle with complex hints of oak-spice and vanilla. The wine is soft in the mouth, with medium-full weight and supple structure. The finish is long and fruit-filled, with the perfect amount of toasty oak spice. This wine is perfect for enjoying upon release and for the next five years.

GRAPE SOURCING
Fetzer Vineyards Eagle Peak Merlot is sourced mainly from the northern interior of central California with some coastal fruit. The grapes were harvested in October, 1998, at an average sugar of 23° Brix.

FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS
The soft cherry and oak-spice character of the 1998 Eagle Peak Merlot complements a wide variety of foods, especially herb-crusted and grilled meats, dishes with pepper or anise flavors and hearty stews. Italian dishes such as lasagna, eggplant parmigiana and robust pasta dishes with tomato, herbs and sausages are also delightful companions for this versatile wine.

AGING
After fermentation and initial racking, the wine was aged an average of six months in a combination of new to three-year-old French and American oak barrels. The balance of new and used barrels allows the winemaker to create fuller body and richness while keeping the oak in balance with the wine's character.