2006 Duckhorn Vineyards Estate Grown Stout Vineyard Merlot
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Stout Vineyard is located in the Howell Mountain appellation, one of the Napa Valley’s most sought-after, ultra-premium winegrowing regions. As a result of its topography, soils and climate, Howell Mountain has distinctly different grape-growing conditions than the valley floor. This 35-acre vineyard is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel, Petit Verdot, Grenache and Syrah. The Stout Vineyard also has 300 mature olive trees that were planted at the turn of the 19th century.
Wine Profile
Production Notes
Varietal Content: 94% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon; Cooperage: 100% French Oak, Chateau-Style Barrels (60 gallons); Age of Barrels: 100% New
Winemaker Notes
At this youthful stage, the aromas are tightly wound, but as the wine opens up it exhibits complex notes of cedar, cranberry, red licorice, cardamom and wild herbs. The cranberry flavors are echoed on the palate, alongside robust elements of Bing cherry, blackberry, currant, spicy plum and milk chocolate. These flavors are accentuated by balanced natural acidity and framed by ample, ripe, mountain tannins, producing a Merlot with exceptional aging potential.
Production
The 2006 growing season was marked by a very mild summer with a mid-July heat spike that accelerated ripening. Mild temperatures continued throughout the fall allowing for a moderately paced harvest. The long growing season brought complex and intense flavor and aroma development.
Other Notes
Released: October 2009
Wine Specs
Wine Specs
Vintage
2006
Varietal
Merlot
Appellation
Napa Valley
Vineyard Designation
Stout Vineyard
Harvest Date
September 14 – October 31, 2006
Sugar
26.8° Brix
Acid
0.65 g/100ml Titratable Acidity
pH
3.45
Aging
18 Months in Barrel
Bottling Date
July 2008
Alcohol %
14.5
