2012 NAPA VALLEY CYGNET MERLOT

GROWING SEASON:2012 was an almost picture-perfect growing season in Napa Valley for all grape

varieties. Generous rainfall in March and even temperatures in April and May were

ideal for budbreak and bloom for our Merlot. Long, warm days along with cool,

often foggy nights throughout the season led to an early October harvest for this

variety. Yield was slightly above normal, and the fruit exhibited bright aromatics

plus acid balance. The grapes were gently hand harvested, then processed

immediately upon arrival at the winery.

VINEYARDS:Merlot: from our mid-valley Oakville Cross Road Estate, a small block in a vineyard

adjacent to our estate, and a site on the flank of the Mayacamas range in Oakville.

Cabernet Sauvignon: Calistoga, Rutherford and Oakville

Petit Verdot: Oak Knoll district

WINEMAKER’S NOTES:The 2012 is the 2nd vintage of Cygnet, a wine designed to retain the fresh lushness

of ripe Merlot grapes, yet exhibit the complexity and texture that only come with

aging in small barrels. 2012 was a warm vintage, which is reflected in the depth of

flavor and generous mouth feel of this wine. Deep purple-hued red color, and an

array of black fruits more commonly associated with Cabernet lead to a mouthful of

velvety, ripe tannins. Lingering notes of cocoa, clove and black cherry echo long

after the wine is swallowed. Optimum suggested drinking is 2015 to 2018.

- Chris Phelps, Winemaker

BLEND:83% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot

HARVEST DATE:Merlot: Sept 17–Oct 17Cabernet Sauvignon: Oct 12–22 Petit Verdot: Sept 28

BOTTLING DATE:April 2014

WINEMAKING:2 days cold soaking, 22 days average maceration on skins; 16 months in barrels: 70% American, 30% French oak