2004 Crane Ridge Merlot

2004 Crane Ridge Merlot

With a smooth feel and tangy, balanced tannins, this vintage of Crane Ridge Merlot offers undertones of blackberry and vanilla complemented by a smoky finish from the oak aging. Crane Ridge is an excellent example of Merlot - it shows off the best of the varietal’s characteristics, with additional richness from the Cabernet Sauvignon component of the blend.

  • Vintage: 2004
  • Appellation: 97% Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay 3% Arroyo Seco, Monterey
  • Winemaker: Karl D. Wente
  • Alcohol: 13.50%
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Vineyard:

Crane Ridge is the gently sloping formation of hills running along the southeastern corner of the famous Livermore Valley. The Wente family’s hillside Merlot vineyards deliver fully ripened fruit with exceptional depth of character.

Fermentation:

This blend was fermented in upright stainless steel fermenters. The fermentation temperatures exceeded 90°F to maximize color and tannin extraction.

Aging:

All parts of this blend were aged for at least 12 months in French and American oak barrels.

2004 Crane Ridge Merlot