2004 Meritage Red

Harvest Notes: The Meritage Red was harvested from a combination of the Mt. Lincoln vineyards in Palisade and the River View Vineyards in East Orchard Mesa via a mechanical harvester, between the 16^rd and 25^th of September 2004; containing an average brix content of 25.2^o at harvest. The Meritage Red consists of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot, 4% Petite Verdo. All 4 wines were cold soaked for 6 days for color extraction and then fermented at a cool temperature in a stainless steel tank for 11 days. The wine was transferred to French, American and Hungarian barrels with 25% new oak in November 2004. Malolactic fermentation was started on 50% of the barrels in December 2004. The Meritage Red was aged for 28 months. We bottled 1093 cases in September 2007. Alc is 14%, pH 3.65, TA 6.2g/Ltr, 0% RS.

Color: Brick to mahogany red.    

Nose: Dark cherry, blackcurrants and earthy characters with gentle pine nut, sandalwood and a lightly toasted cedar.

Palate: Blackcurrant and earthy characters, with a soft tannin structure and generous length. This is a full bodied wine.

Drink by: Now through 2011 if cellared properly.

Pair with: Best when served with rich and robust foods, such as bold cheeses lamb and game.  Make sure you serve the Meritage Red at around 61-64^oF.

Awards: Double Gold 2009 Taster’s Guild Consumer Tasting, Silver 2009 Colorado Mountain Winefest, Bronze Colorado State Fair