Ventana's Estate Merlot grapes are hand-picked at exact ripeness which sometimes requires two to three passes on different days through the vineyard. The grapes are immediately de-stemmed and placed in open-top fermentors for about two weeks or until fermentation ceases. During this time the grapes are hand-punched many times daily for optimum contact between the skins and juice. The solids are left to rest and the juice is pumped off and transferred into a combination of both French and American Oak for over one year of barrel aging.
This is a classic Bordeaux style structured Merlot with complex flavors of black cherry, blackberry jam and black currant. Color shows deep ruby-red. It is full bodied with a round smooth mouth-feel and a long velvety finish. Ventana's Merlot is very pleasurable in its youth but has enough acidity and tannins for cellaring. Great food friendly wine, pairs beautifully with several types of foods. Brilliant with Roast Pork or a Steak with a Blue Cheese sauce.
