The 2000 HARTWELL MERLOT IS AVAILABLE! - April 2, 2007
2000 Hartwell Vineyards Estate Merlot
Appellation: Stag's Leap District
Varietal: 75% Estate Merlot, 25% Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Harvest Conditions
A relatively dry winter followed by a beautiful spring lead to an abundant fruit set. Summer brought alternate warm and mild spells, punctuated by several periods of intense heat in late July and again in mid-August. September and October cooled dramatically, allowing a slow and steady harvest pace. The longer, slower ripening period allowed the fruit to mature steadily and uniformly, thus yielding fully ripe flavors and exceptionally soft tannins.
Winemaking Notes:
Nearly ideal growing conditions in 2000 delivered fruit of exceptional quality, with richness and depth, ripe tannins, and subtle nuance. The Hartwell Estate Merlot was no exception. These characters follow through to the finished wine. Aromas of ripe blueberry and rasberry predominate, mingling with notes of dried sage, anis and acacia flower. On the palate, the wine offers flavors of fresh ripe berries, creme de cassis, vanilla and smoke. Aged for 18 months in French and American oak, the tannins are silky and supple, leading to a long, soft finish of lingering spice and fruit. This wine is a true expression of Stags Leap Merlot, which will continue to gain complexity in the bottle.
http://www.hartwellvineyards.com/
Appellation: Stag's Leap District
Varietal: 75% Estate Merlot, 25% Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Harvest Conditions
A relatively dry winter followed by a beautiful spring lead to an abundant fruit set. Summer brought alternate warm and mild spells, punctuated by several periods of intense heat in late July and again in mid-August. September and October cooled dramatically, allowing a slow and steady harvest pace. The longer, slower ripening period allowed the fruit to mature steadily and uniformly, thus yielding fully ripe flavors and exceptionally soft tannins.
Winemaking Notes:
Nearly ideal growing conditions in 2000 delivered fruit of exceptional quality, with richness and depth, ripe tannins, and subtle nuance. The Hartwell Estate Merlot was no exception. These characters follow through to the finished wine. Aromas of ripe blueberry and rasberry predominate, mingling with notes of dried sage, anis and acacia flower. On the palate, the wine offers flavors of fresh ripe berries, creme de cassis, vanilla and smoke. Aged for 18 months in French and American oak, the tannins are silky and supple, leading to a long, soft finish of lingering spice and fruit. This wine is a true expression of Stags Leap Merlot, which will continue to gain complexity in the bottle.
http://www.hartwellvineyards.com/
Love Records sponsorship and partial underwiting of the Savina Hartwell Memorial Free Concerts at Tilton Island Park continues for the 15th year. This year the "Yvonne and the Reverbs Band" will make it's first appearance in nine years on the Banstand.
Like so many others, and especially because of it's long history in the Music business, Love Records USA has begun a giving program through MusiCares to provide some additional aid for Katrina recovery. Even as the memory of the devastation fades in the public's mind, the task continues, and we urge you to add your support in any way that you can.