Wine Profile

• Composition: 100% Merlot
• Appellation:   Napa Valley
• Sub-Appellation:   Stags Leap District Wine
• Time in Oak:   22 months
• Type of Oak:  100 % American
• Vintage:   1998
• Harvest Date:   September
• Wine pH:   3.48
• Wine Alcohol:   13.5% by volume
• Grape Sugar:   24.5º Brix
• T.A.:   0.65 gms/100 ml
• 51 cases made
• Price $38.00 - SOLD OUT

1998 STAGS LEAP MERLOT
NAPA VALLEY

The Vineyard:

Nestled on the eastern slopes of the Napa Valley is a jewel of a vineyard that lies in the crown of the Stags Leap District. This legendary region was named for an elusive stag who evaded hunters with a dramatic leap across the landmark peaks that tower above the valley floor. Winemaker Gary Galleron has worked his magic on these precious grapes, creating a magnificent Merlot that mirrors the phrase "power and grace."

The Wine:

These select grapes were crushed and fermented at 88º in small bins. The cap was punched down by hand three times daily until dryness. The wine was pressed out after seven days and racked into new American Oak barrels and aged for twenty-two months.

This voluptuous Merlot is graced with compelling aromas of black fruit berries, with spicy, earthy accents and hints of dark chocolate. Saturated black-red in color, this seductive wine wraps the palate in smooth layers of black cherry and raspberry velvet with creamy vanilla and strawberry notes. Powerful yet mellow, with ample earthy tannins that lend structure and finesse.