| 2006 J.Kirkwood Merlot Purple black color, followed by black fruit aromas of plum and berry, made more complex by baking spices and dried flower petals. Lovely fruit on entry, carrying through the mid-palate and into a long finish, kept fine by plush, firm-to-round tannins. In the glass, it evolves to more expressive, open blackberry aromas, with a full, lingering structure, even better on the second day open. Drink now for its hedonistic joy, but lay down some for the long term that is bound to show development, not just suspension. J.Kirkwood wines are from the Golden Triangle of Napa merlot, the southern end of the Napa Valley where it meets the hills of Carneros. A vineyard of tightly spaced vines that concentrate yeilds, Bordelaise chais and traditional methods in the cellar combine to produce striking, lively wines. TECHNICAL INFORMATION Date of harvest: September 20, 2003 Blend: 94% Merlot, 6% cabernet sauvignon Cooperage: 50% new Seguin Moreau oak Months in barrels: 30 Production: 432 cases Brix at harvest: 25.2 pH: 3.62 Total acidity: 0.618 "J. Kirkwood is merlot at its best: sweet and lively when you pop the cork, but then give it time and let it do what all great merlot does -- fill out, expand, extend" ---Michael Havens |
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