MAGNUM - 2002 Snowden Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot
LIBRARY RELEASE!
This wine is nearing its peak. It is recommended that you enjoy this wine within the next year or two.
Salexis Wines has strived to produce the finest expression of this sometimes difficult varietal since 1998. Our 2002 Salexis Merlot is most definitely our finest effort to date. This expansive, if not massive Merlot offers the aromas and flavors of ripe black cherries, plums, surrounded by toasty French oak. A Merlot which could hold its own against many California Cabernet Sauvignons, this wine will pair well with all red meat dishes and continue to develop for 10 to 15 years in the bottle.
In the past two years, magnums of the 2002 Snowden Vineyards Merlot have been tasted at various Winemaker Dinners with an overwhelming response. Today, the wine offers the aromas and flavors of black cherries, plums, green tea, cedar, with complementary French oak. The tannins are soft and the overall mouthfeel is smooth and silky. This wine is nearing its peak. It is recommended that you enjoy this wine within the next year or two.
The Specs
| Blend Composition | 98% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Vineyard Designation | Snowden Vineyards, Hillside Vineyard east of Rutherford |
| Harvest Dates | September 17, 2002 to September 29, 2002 |
| Harvest Analysis | 26.4 Brix, 4.0 gms/l TA, 3.72 pH |
| Pre-Fermentation Maceration | 72 hours @ 60 degrees F |
| Pumpover Regime | 2 times/day with Aeration |
| Maximum Fermentation Temperature | 92 degrees F |
| Total Skin Contact Time | 38 days |
| Barrel Aging |
20 months in Chateau Style French oak, Medium Plus Toast, 66% new |
| Bottling Date | June 16, 2004 |
| Case Production | 510 cases |