2001 GALLERON JAEGER MERLOT
NAPA VALLEY

The Vintage:

“Spring came early this year, setting the stage for one of the quickest flowering and fruit set periods on record. A sudden, unexpected deep frost in April caught growers by surprise followed by extreme heat spikes in May, June and July. The weather eventually evened out as the summer progressed and by August temperatures were ideal. The warm days and cool nights gave the red varietals some hang-time, just what they needed to achieve the perfect balance of sugar, flavor and acid.”—Gary Galleron, Winemaker

The Vineyard:

Former Real Estate and Tax Attorney Bill Jaeger established Jaeger Vineyards in 1972. A consummate winegrower and businessman, Bill was a founding partner of Freemark Abbey Winery in 1967, and in 1976, established Rutherford Hill Winery. Bill’s foresight and passion for Merlot inspired him to plant 277 acres in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley. This region has proven to be an ideal location for producing outstanding Merlot.

The Wine:

Deep purple velvet in color with a voluptuous nose of fresh picked plums, red raspberries, blackberries, allspice and toasty oak. Succulent flavors brimming with highly extracted fruit remain true to the seductive aromas found in the nose. This wine is deep and amply endowed with dark, rich, ripe fruit. It’s impeccable structure, perfect balance and supple mouth-feel makes it a standout in the Galleron portfolio.

What The Critics Say...

GOLD MEDAL, 2001 Vintage, San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

“Soft and gentle, with herb, coffee and cherry flavors. Oak adds vanilla and smoky notes. The flavors are marvelous…” 2000 Vintage, Wine Enthusiast Magazine

BEST MERLOT OF CALIFORNIA
1999 Vintage, California State Fair Wine Competition

BEST MERLOT OF NAPA VALLEY
1999 Vintage, California State Fair Wine Competition

GOLD MEDAL ~ 96 Points
1999 Vintage, California State Fair Wine Competition

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