Azalea Springs 2001 Merlot
Vintage Notes
The 2001 vintage was superb and a delightful year to be a winemaker here in Napa Valley. Temperatures were slightly warmer than normal from the beginning of bud break until the end of harvest. This gave us the heat to allow the merlot grapes to fully ripen. Our wine reflects the generosity of the 2001 vintage, similar in character with the great 1994s.
Yield was fairly generous resulting in roughly 2500 cases bottled. Bottling was relatively early in fall of 2002 to help maximize fruit retention and give extra opportunity for maturation in bottle before release in early 2004.
For those of you that enjoy the details, the blend is 100% merlot made from grapes harvested at an average of 24.5 ∞ Brix; was aged in 100% French oak, one-third new and the balance one and two years old; and finished with an alcohol of 13.9 %.
Expect complex layers of aroma: bright cherry, sweet spices and well-integrated, classy French oak. The flavors are unmistakably merlot with typical ripe red fruits accented by just the faintest signature of earth. Generously structured, the tannins are mature and balanced and the body fleshy without flab. Although delicious now, it is a wine that will evolve and delight as it continues to mature.
