| 1998 J. Kirkwood Merlot Reserved 10 cases have recently been re-released! 1998 is the second vintage from a three acre, south-facing, hillside vineyard located in the foothills of Mt. Veeder. Planted in 1992, the vineyard is characterized by closely spaced vines, vertical trellising, and aggressive canopy management. Eightly percent of the vineyard is planted to Merlot with the remainder planted to Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The wine is made using traditional barrel-to-barrel racking techniques without filtration or fining. The philosophy of wine-making is patterned after the time honored methods of the small, closely attended chateaux of Pomerol. TECHNICAL INFORMATION Date of harvest: October 8, 1998 Blend: 85% Merlot & 15% Cabernet Sauvignon Cooperage: 80% new Seguin Moreau oak Months in barrels: 20 Production: 94 cases Brix at harvest: 24.6 pH: 3.77 Total acidity: 0.62 TASTING NOTES The 1998 J.Kirkwood Merlot has a ruby red color and a rich nose of blackberry and black cherry jam, complemented by notes of roasting coffee and chocolate. It is harmonious and rich on the palate and offers flavors of cherry and licorice. The wine has excellent body and a long, sweet, chewy finish. It is a balanced wine with good aging potential. Kirk Reid and Dan Baron |
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