WINEMAKER'S NOTES JOULLIAN RETRO ROUGE N.V. • Estate Bottled Merlot caught Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon foolin’ around with Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Black Muscat up at Joullian vineyards, and just look what happened!! A few older (“mature”) barrels of Estate Merlot started checking out some nice young Zinfandel that was fraternizing with Cabernet Sauvignon while surreptitiously eyeing the chiseled and virile Syrah and Cabernet Franc who were strutting their stuff in front of the precocious Muscat Hamburg. In the ensuing melee, they all became embroiled in such a tumultuous blend of aromatics, supple- ness and unctuousness that the winemaking police were forced to incarcerate them together in deep, darkened glass confines sealed with large bark logs. The group was sentenced to 1-5 years, unless enlightened oenophiles manage to get them released early for good behavior. TECHNICAL INFORMATION: Varietal Content: 48 % Merlot 21 % Zinfandel 18 % Cabernet Sauvignon 9 % Syrah 2 % Cabernet Franc 2 % Muscat Hamburg Appellation/AVA: 100% Joullian Estate, Carmel Valley Fermentation: Primary/secondary fermentation completed in 11-38 days using multiple yeasts and malolactic strains Barrel Aging: Twelve to thirty-six months in Center of France oak barrels Alcohol: 13.3% Total Acidity/pH: 6.50g/L; 3.76 Residual Sugar: Dry (0.05%) Total Production: 1034 cases (750ml) Release Date: October 15, 2014 TASTING NOTES: Brilliant dark cherry/garnet color. Explosive black cherry, anise, cranberry and slightly earthy nose. A rich, black cherry entry expands into a ripe blackberry center that finishes with earth, smoke, refreshing acidity and ripe, palate cleansing tannins. FOOD COMPANIONS: Thai green curry, French fried zucchini chips, fish tacos, burritos de carnitas, osso bucco, anything hot off the barby, and entrecôte de boeuf. JOULLIAN VINEYARDS LTD.• Carmel Valley.