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Roth Estate - Merlot 2010
- Producer Roth Estate
-
Blend
80% Merlot
7% Petite Syrah
13% Syrah - Country USA
- Region California
- Appellation Sonoma County
- UPC 0 15643 41076 5
Tasting notes
The 2010 vintage of our Alexander Valley Merlot strikes a delicate balance between finely
woven structure and soft, silky fruit. Sleek, mouth-filling tannins glide across the palate and are complemented by aromas of blackberry, currant, and sweet oak. Rich flavors of cherry,
chocolate cake, and vanilla lead to a well-focused finish.
Winemaking and Cooperage
Our 2010 Merlot was fermented in temperature controlled, stainless steel tanks following a 3-7 day cold soak where the juice was kept at 55°F and pumped over once each day. The tanks were then allowed to come to room temperature and pumped over 1-2 times per day until fermentation was complete. Next, we raised the tank temperature to 85°F for 3-10 days until
optimal extraction and texture was obtained. The wine was then placed in 100% French oak barrels with a combination of M+, ML and H toast levels. Malolactic fermentation occurred naturally in barrel while the wines were hand stirred weekly. Following malolactic fermentation, the wines were left on their lees and topped, stirred, and racked for 18 months. The final blend was crafted 12 months before bottling.
Vineyard notes
2010 was a vintage of extremes. A cold spring with abundant rains turned into a summer defined by persistent morning fog that did not burn off until late morning or early afternoon. Early August brought an extreme three-day heat wave that registered a staggering 116 Fahrenheit in many of our vineyard blocks and proved devastating for vineyards all over California. The overall cooler temperatures in 2010 led to a longer hang-time for many of our varietals, giving them more complex flavors while maintaining the fruit’s bright acidity.
