Peirano Estate Vineyards 2007 Six Clones Merlot
The Heritage Collection
Estate Grown, Lodi

Vineyard Notes:
Peirano Estate Vineyards’ Merlot is produced from 6 different clones, or sub-varieties, of Merlot grown on the estate, including two rare French clones (#181 and #314), as well as the very rare Italian clone #9. Peirano Estate was the first commercial winery to grow and produce wine from these rare Merlot clones. Each of these clones distinctive characters are further enhanced by shoot thinning and positioning, allowing for maximum light refraction to properly ripen the grapes. We also employ natural suppression of insects and rodents through natural means- predatory insects, specific bird habitats, and the like- to ensure the vines maintain their health through the growing season. The grapes were all hand selected from within each section for maximum maturity and flavor.

Winemaker Notes:
After hand harvesting all of the best Merlot from our estate vineyard, the fruit arrives at the winery ready for its careful journey from grape to wine. The must was inoculated with Bordeaux red Pasteur yeast, fermented to dryness, pressed and settled before being moved into barrels. Aged for 12 months in all French oak barrels, of which less than 20% was new oak. The barrels were specifically selected to compliment the supple structure of our Merlot, and came from such cooperages as Demptos, Vernou, Seguin Moreau and Mendocino. The wine was racked after completion of malolactic fermentation, and every three months following, while the barrels were topped up every two weeks to keep headspace at an absolute minimum.

Tasting Notes:
Aromas of rich ripe cherries, blackberries with hints of toast, and vanilla coalesce into a single sensation of olfactory bliss. The mouth is filled with an array of flavors, including cherry, plum, cranapple, sweet raspberries and strawberries with lingering hints of cocoa and cinnamon, while supple tannins leave a pleasing finish. Each juicy sip is more comforting than the last always leaving the palate to want more.  

Awards Include:

Silver Medal           Chicago Value Wine Challenge – Highly Recommended