2016 Peter Franus Napa Valley Merlot

Our 2014 Merlot offers a brilliant, youthful, medium-dark ruby color. An array of bright and inviting aromas of black cherry, ripe plum, dried herb, and a hint of fresh basil defines the nose. I call this an “intriguing” wine in the sense that its elusive character makes you think and keeps drawing you back, inviting you to figure out what exactly is going on here? The initial mouthfeel is lush, but is soon reined in by the acid and tannin structure, a hallmark of this wine and vineyard. Needless to say, this wine has plenty of life ahead of it.

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Viticulture

Bilateral cordon, spur pruned, vertical trellis

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Vinification

3 - 4 day cold soak before inoculation. Fermentation 10 + / - days. Fermentation temperature up to 84 degrees F. 15 days average maceration before pressing. 50% new French Oak.