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Merlot
Napa Valley, California, USA
On the nose, ripe, lush, rich; blackberries, dark cherries, plum, blueberries, olallieberries, black raspberries & strawberries on the glass edges, mixed berry cola, black licorice, vanilla, mocha & dark chocolate, liqueur notes, slight alcohol burn, crush dry rocks, saddle-wood, dry brown top soil/clay, rich, moist, black soil and candied red florals with very fragrant violets.
The body is full, lush and ruby. Tannins are round, velvety and slightly dusty. The fruits are candied and super ripe (perhaps a touch overripe); blackberries, dark cherries, plum, blueberries, olallieberries, black raspberries & strawberries on the glass edges, mixed berry cola, black licorice, sweet tarry notes, vanilla, cinnamon, clove, mocha & dark chocolate, lots of caramel, liqueur notes, just a touch of alcohol burn (14.8%), dark spice with heat that lifts off the palate, crush dry rocks, saddle-wood, dry brown top soil/clay, rich, moist, black soil and candied red florals with very fragrant violets. The structure, length, tension and balance are harmonious...right at their peak. Acidity is perfect. The long, rich, ripe, ruby, lush, velvety, elegant finish is spectacular and lasts minutes.
There is still plenty of life ahead for their 02 Merlot. Another 5 years and perhaps a little more.
Photos of, the gate entrance to Switchback Ride, Kelly Peterson, Managing Partner and Switchback Estate vines.
On the nose, ripe, lush, rich; blackberries, dark cherries, plum, blueberries, olallieberries, black raspberries & strawberries on the glass edges, mixed berry cola, black licorice, vanilla, mocha & dark chocolate, liqueur notes, slight alcohol burn, crush dry rocks, saddle-wood, dry brown top soil/clay, rich, moist, black soil and candied red florals with very fragrant violets.
The body is full, lush and ruby. Tannins are round, velvety and slightly dusty. The fruits are candied and super ripe (perhaps a touch overripe); blackberries, dark cherries, plum, blueberries, olallieberries, black raspberries & strawberries on the glass edges, mixed berry cola, black licorice, sweet tarry notes, vanilla, cinnamon, clove, mocha & dark chocolate, lots of caramel, liqueur notes, just a touch of alcohol burn (14.8%), dark spice with heat that lifts off the palate, crush dry rocks, saddle-wood, dry brown top soil/clay, rich, moist, black soil and candied red florals with very fragrant violets. The structure, length, tension and balance are harmonious...right at their peak. Acidity is perfect. The long, rich, ripe, ruby, lush, velvety, elegant finish is spectacular and lasts minutes.
There is still plenty of life ahead for their 02 Merlot. Another 5 years and perhaps a little more.
Photos of, the gate entrance to Switchback Ride, Kelly Peterson, Managing Partner and Switchback Estate vines.
One of the best wines I have had all year. Honestly, it reminds me of the....you are not going to believe this by the way...the taste of the legendary 1947 Chateau Petrus (thank you pbsh). At ten years old this wine is spectacular. Port like intensity of fruit with mounds of chocolate and a finish that never quits. And that rare Asian spice...like a Lars Teten cigar. Wow.
One of the best wines I have had all year. Honestly, it reminds me of the....you are not going to believe this by the way...the taste of the legendary 1947 Chateau Petrus (thank you pbsh). At ten years old this wine is spectacular. Port like intensity of fruit with mounds of chocolate and a finish that never quits. And that rare Asian spice...like a Lars Teten cigar. Wow.
Nov 30th, 2014
