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A
blend of 88% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% Cabernet Franc. Approximately
25% of the blend came from estate-grown fruit in the Oak Knoll area, with
the balance from independent growers in Carneros and Napa |
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The
Merlot crop was affected much the same as the Cabernet in 1996, with a good
amount of variability present in the vineyard as the season progressed. When
harvest finally began in mid-September, we modified our harvesting methods
to maximize quality. Selective picking and careful blending have resulted
in a wine with all the color, flavor and mature tannins we would expect from
a quality vintage despite the fact that production was down by 20%. |
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