Materra Napa Valley Merlot (3)

Monday, September 10, 2012

Okay, guys – I got some bad news. We’re going to have to scrap the whole ad campaign that we put together for the 2007 Materra Napa Valley Merlot. Turns out it’s pronounced “Mer-low.” That means our slogan – “You’re going to like this wine a mer-lot” – is out the window.

So, it’s back to the drawing board. What do we got? Maybe something that highlights its aromas of cola, smoky bacon fat, cherries, and plum. Maybe something about its flavors of cherries and raspberries. We could also put together something that really gets across how complex the wine’s structure is.

Steve, you got an idea? What’s that? “Have a glass and then take a cat Napa?” Yeah, okay. Another pun is cool too. This meeting’s over.

• Varietal Composition: 94% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc
• Appellation:  Napa Valley
• Harvest Date: 10/1/2007
• Acid: 6.7
• PH: 3.35
• Bottling Date: 7/17/2009
• Alcohol %: 14.2
• Case Production:  420 cases

Napa Valley has been lauded for the exceptional conditions of the 2007 vintage.  2007 began with a dry, cold winter followed by an uncharacteristically warm spring.  Budbreak occurred early, but concerns with frost damage did not materialize and the summer weather was Napa Valley perfect – warm, sunny days and cool evenings.  A brief heat spike over Labor Day weekend added the boost of sugar development growers were looking for and set the pace for harvest.  Late October rains worried some winemakers, but due to the warm spring and consistent summer weather, canopies were not fully developed and rot did not materialize.  The longer growing season provided near perfect fruit with a tremendous concentration of flavor.

Woot