2006 Merlot, Alexander Valley
Founded in 1880, Geyser Peak Winery sits in the heart of Alexander Valley, a region supremely suited to growing red Bordeaux varieties. For this wine we source fruit from the central to southern regions of the valley where the cooling influence of the fog and coastal breezes have a dramatic effect on the climate.
Aromas of red cherry, blackberry and olive are balanced by spicy, sweet oak. The complexity of elements continues on the medium-bodied palate with a creamy texture and bright blueberry and cherry fruit. Barrel aging leaves gentle tannins and a hint of smokiness and cedar. A fine backbone of acidity makes this an excellent wine with food, especially flavorful dishes such as roast duck with cherry compote or braised short ribs on polenta.
| Vintage: | 2006 |
| Wine Type: | Red Wine |
| Varietal: | Merlot |
| Appellation: | Alexander Valley |
| Acid: | 6.20 |
| PH: | 3.61 |
| Aging: | 40% French Oak, 60% American Oak |
| Bottling Date: | January 2009 |
| Residual Sugar: | Dry |
| Alcohol %: | 13.5 |
STORAGE/TYPE: Approximately 19% New Oak, 80% 1 -, 2 - & 3 year-old barrels.
The bright fruit flavors and supple tannins of this wine reflect its Alexander Valley origin. Traditional red Bordeaux varieties like Merlot do particularly well in this region, due to the warm daytime temperatures and cool, fog-covered nights and mornings. Following a three-day cold soak to extract the more subtle characteristics of this varietal, grapes were fermented under moderate temperatures for a relatively short six-day period. Restrained use of new oak cooperage allowed the wine’s fruit-forward, quintessentially Alexander Valley character to shine through.
21,000 Cases
Released June 2010
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