Joseph Phelps Vineyards: 1995 Merlot

Wines

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BLEND & GRAPE SOURCES:
97% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc with 48% of the blend coming from estate-owned vineyards, and the balance from independent growers.

HARVEST DATE:
Sep. 21 - Oct. 8, 1995

WINEMAKING DATA:
Grapes were harvested from Sep. 21 - Oct. 8, 1995 at an average 24.3% Brix, fermented to 13.8% alcohol, then aged 18 months in 60-gallon American oak barrels before being bottled in July, 1997.

Recently I was asked why we make Merlot, since production at Phelps includes over 14 different wines annually, including two Cabernet Sauvignons and Insignia. The answer
was easy.

We have been vinifying Merlot since 1974 as an Insignia component, but there was never sufficient quantity to produce it as a separate varietal. With the development of additional vineyards in Stag's Leap, Yountville and Carneros, we were able to cultivate enough Merlot acreage to include this world class varietal as part of our annual production.

In 1995, an unseasonably cool spring and a hail storm on June 15 delayed bloom by 10 to 14 days and significantly reduced crop levels. The ripening process began in earnest when warm weather finally appeared in September and October, but selective picking was necessary in many vineyards during harvest to insure top quality fruit.

The 1995 Merlot displays the best characteristics of the vintage with supple flavors of black cherry and spice, and a hint of vanilla in the long, smooth finish. Rich tannins ensure continued bottle development, and we would expect this wine to last well into the next decade.