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2016 Red Meritage
Description
Winemaking Notes
The 2016 Symmetry has luxurious aromas of red fruit, plum, vanilla, dusty oak and dried fruit which unfold on the palate with silky layers of dark fruits, baking spices and a supple rich mouthfeel. This wine is harmonious and elegant with refined tannins and a long, lingering finish. Enjoy this wine now with beef stew, grilled pork tenderloin, or assortment of roasted vegetables or cellar for enjoyment for years to come.
History
With over 40 years of experience growing classic French grape varieties in Alexander Valley, we select our best Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other traditional Bordeaux grapes from the hills that overlook the valley, where well-drained rocky soils combine with warm, sunny days and cool nights to provide ideal growing conditions. Select areas within each vineyard are hand harvested, fermented separately and aged in the finest French oak barrels. After about six months, each lot is tasted and graded; only the highest graded wines are considered for Symmetry. The blend is then assembled, and the wine is returned to barrels to facilitate flavor integration. The wine is aged an additional 12 to 20 months, before bottling.
The Vineyards
The 2016 growing season was about as close to ideal as we could have asked for. We received an average amount of rain over winter, with only one big storm in early March that topped off soil moisture and led to a pleasant Spring. Summer saw average temperatures with the occasional heat spike that Cabernet Sauvignon loves while warm temperatures continued through the fall with harvest starting about a week earlier than normal. Satisfied with the flavors, and with all things in balance, we picked blocks from vineyards in Alexander Valley, plus our estate Cooley Ranch out in the wild hills north of Lake Sonoma, at the end of September, as the fruit from each block tasted best.
