TRUCHARD V INEYARDS TRUCHARD V INEYARDS

MERLOT —RESTAURANT N OTES MERLOT —RESTAURANT N OTES

Who makes it? Who makes it?

Truchard Vineyards is a family operated winery that has been Truchard Vineyards is a family operated winery that has been growing grapes in Napa Valley since 1973. Truchard Vineyards growing grapes in Napa Valley since 1973. Truchard Vineyards started making wines under their own label in 1989. started making wines under their own label in 1989.

Where it grows? Where it grows?

All of Truchard’s wines are estate grown in Carneros AVA. All of Truchard’s wines are estate grown in Carneros AVA. Carneros spans the southern region of both Napa and Sonoma Carneros spans the southern region of both Napa and Sonoma County and because of it’s proximity to the bay area, it is gener- County and because of it’s proximity to the bay area, it is gener- ally quite cooler than the rest of Napa and Sonoma. The cool ally quite cooler than the rest of Napa and Sonoma. The cool climate produces wines that have bright acidity and fresh fruit climate produces wines that have bright acidity and fresh fruit characteristics. The Merlot is grown on a part of the property characteristics. The Merlot is grown on a part on the property that has more clay soils which provides better structure for this that has more clay soils which provides better structure for this early ripening variety. early ripening variety.

What it tastes like? What it tastes like?

It has concentrated aromas of floral blueberry, ripe plum and It has concentrated aromas of floral blueberry, ripe plum and blackberry; with hints of cedar, spice, and subtle mint. The blackberry; with hints of cedar, spice, and subtle mint. The mouth is rich and smooth – black cherry, plum jam, red currants, mouth is rich and smooth – black cherry, plum jam, red currants, and sweet vanilla. Fine-grained tannins focus the palate and and sweet vanilla. Fine-grained tannins focus the palate and provide an elegant finish of dried red fruits. provide an elegant finish of dried red fruits.

What style of wine is it? What style of wine is it?

This Merlot is made in a “Right Bank” Bordeaux style. It is grown on clay soils and a This Merlot is made in a “Right Bank” Bordeaux style. It is grown on clay soils and a cool climate, resembling the Pomerol Appellation where many fine merlots are grown. cool climate, resembling the Pomerol Appellation where many fine merlots are grown. The coolness gives the wine lots of acidity and tannin. To balance this, about 25% The coolness gives the wine lots of acidity and tannin. To balance this, about 25% Cabernet Franc is added to give the wine some softness and add to the aromatics. Cabernet Franc is added to give the wine some softness and add to the aromatics.

What it pairs with? What it pairs with?

This Merlot pairs well with many hearty meat dishes, especially lamb. This Merlot pairs well with many hearty meat dishes, especially lamb.

This wine in Ten Words or less – This wine in Ten Words or less –

25% Cab Franc and 75% Merlot makes this a big, yet well balanced Merlot. 25% Cab Franc and 75% Merlot makes this a big, yet well balanced Merlot.

For Wine Geek Information (Barrels, Yeast, Brix, etc) visit our website at For Wine Geek Information (Barrels, Yeast, Brix, etc) visit our website at www.truchardvineyards.com www.truchardvineyards.com