Peterson Winery
"Bradford Mountain Estate" Merlot 2015
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California
$40/bottle
When the Petersons first planted Merlot in their Bradford Mountain Estate Vineyard in the 1980s, it was mostly used as a blending component for the Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and Estate Cabernet Franc. In the mid and late 90s, the founders used to bottle small amounts of Merlot to showcase the
delicious depth of flavors capable from this varietal and their experience has been that the Merlot wines have held up well for over 20 years! So after a 10-year hiatus of not bottling a varietal Merlot,
the quality of the grapes since 2012 convinced them to give this noble variety another round in the spotlight.
The 2015 is deep, richly textured aromas of dark cherry and ripe black plum woven with inviting smoky oak notes fill the nose. The plush entry spreads across the palate, revealing opulent flavors of cherry, plum and red berry mingled with traces of blueberry, cedar, bay leaf and violet. The velvety texture possesses a spicy quality that adds to the complexity and appeal of this stellar Merlot. Hints of chocolate and tobacco appear as the wine lingers in the finish.In years when the grapes from this mountain vineyard are of exceptional depth, the Petersons will continue to produce a Merlot
to satisfy its fervent fans.