Vineyard
As a virtual rock quarry, Sunny Slope Vineyard’s vines were planted in holes drilled or pick-axed out of fractured stone over 20 years ago. The deep roots—a result of maturity and years of laboring for water—combine with the warm southwest exposure to produce thick-skinned grapes which give us the concentrated flavors, inky color and extracted tannins that distinguish this vineyard.

Vintage
Vintage 2001 saw the return of a warmer, earlier season following three vintages in a row noted for their coolness. Bloom enjoyed nearly perfect conditions for fruit set followed by a long, warm summer, which allowed the grapes to ripen evenly.

Vinification
We harvested the Merlot September 17th selecting blocks to create a more complex and concentrated wine. Fermented in stainless steel fermentors for 22 days and then placed in French and American oak for 25 months. This wine was bottled in December of 2003. Alcohol 14.5%, TA .59, pH 3.78, Residual Sugar .06.

Tasting Notes
This single vineyard Merlot is a fleshy, firmly structured, concentrated wine, with outstanding depth of flavor. It has blueberry and dark plum fruitiness, against a backdrop of toasty, cedary oak. Its finish is very long and smooth, despite its evident tannin. Serve this Merlot with richly flavored dishes, such as beef Stroganoff, venison with chasseur sauce, or roast lamb (stuffed with garlic and herbs).

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