HELLER ESTATE 100% Organically Grown “Wines That Dance On Your Palate!” 2014 ESTATE MERLOT Aroma: Black tea leaf, ripe French plums and aromatic bay laurel greet the nose with more subtle notes of dried currants, cola and white pepper. Palate: Youthful, bright mouth feel with predominant flavors of ripe plum, black tea and spices. This wine has a fruity, full bodied structure with dusty tannins. Finishing with a wonderful mocha characteristic. This is a power house Merlot. Pair this wine with a juicy cut of prime rib roast, garlic mashed potatoes and green beans, black eye peas cooked with a ham hock, sundried tomatoes and kalamata olives or even with dark chocolate truffles for dessert. Comments: Consistent with a very early start to the growing season, with many areas having bud break early, Harvest in most parts of the vineyard, such as the Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Pinot Noir, started and finished earlier than any other in 20 years. In general, yields were average, with excellent fruit quality. Most varietals showed nice balance, with slightly lower acidity due to warmer-than-normal night temperatures. All of the elements are in place for an outstanding vintage Technical Data: Varietal Composition: 100% Merlot pH: 3.65 Harvest Date: September 17-22, 2014 Brix at Harvest: 24.4 Bottling Date: May 2017 Alcohol: 14.5% Overlooking the Cachagua region of Carmel Valley, ("Cachagua" is believed to be an Indian derivative of the French "cacher" and the Spanish "agua" meaning ‘hidden waters’), and framed by the dramatic surrounding hills, lie the beautiful mountain vineyards of the Heller Estate. The 120 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Pinot Noir are planted at an altitude of 1200 - 1500 feet, producing rich, luscious grapes, which result in outstanding premium wines. The vineyards are certified 100% organic. Neither herbicides nor pesticides are used in the production of the grapes. This certification was granted after three vintages of clean farming, although the vineyards have always employed organic methods throughout the years. Vintage 2014 Varietal Merlot Harvest Dates September 17-22, 2014 Brix At Harvest 24.4 Time In Oak 17 Months Bottling Date May 2017 Alcohol 14.5% pH 3.65 Growing Season Consistent with a very early start to the growing season, with many areas having bud break early. Harvest in most parts of the vineyard, such as the Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Pinot Noir, started and finished earlier than any other in 20 years. In general, yields were average, with excellent fruit quality. Most varietals showed nice balance, with slightly lower acidity due to warmer-than-normal night temperatures. All of the elements are in place for an outstanding vintage. Color Deep garnet hue. Aroma Black tea leaf, ripe french plums and aromatic bay laurel greet the nose with more subtle notes of dried currants, cola and white pepper. Palate Youthful, bright mouthfeel with predominant flavors of ripe plum, black tea and spices. This wine has a fruity, full bodied structure with dusty tannins. Finishing with a wonderful mocha characteristic. This is a powerhouse of a Merlot. Pair this wine with a juicy cut of prime rib roast, garliky mashed potatoes and green beans, black eye peas cooked with a ham hock, sundried tomatoes and kalamata olives or even with dark chocolate truffles for dessert. .