Winemaker's Note:
"The 2005 vintage Marilyn Merlot is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. We prefer the added flavors and structure that Cabernet gives to the predominately Merlot based wine. The
addition of 30% new oak barrels for this vintage gives the appropriate aromas of toasted oak and a more complex mouth feel from the new oak tannins. The fruit flavors are soft and mature. Vineyards
for this wine continue to be from our longtime growers ranging in location from Yountville to St. Helena in the middle of the Napa Valley." - John McKay
"The 2004 Vintage of Marilyn Merlot is a blend
of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. We like the adds structure and character that Cabernet gives this wine. Our typical use of 25% new oak barrels each year gives aromas of toasted vanilla
beans and a more complex mouth feel from the new oak tannins. The fruit flavors are soft and ripe Vineyards for this wine continue to be from our longtime growers ranging in location from
Yountville to St. Helena in the heart of the Napa Valley. " - John McKay
The 2003 vintage Marilyn Merlot is a
blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. A substantial addition of Cabernet adds greater complexity to the nose and morestructure to the mouth. This wine was barrel aged using 30% new wood to enhance the aromas of vanilla and roasted coffee. The fruity aromas and flavors are ripe and soft reflecting the maturity and quality of the grapes we harvested. All the vineyards for this wine are located in the heart of the Napa Valley ranging from the Oak Knoll District to the Rutherford District.
-John McKay, Winemaker
The 2002 vintage Marilyn Merlot is a
blend of 91% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon. A significant addition of Cabernet adds greater complexity to the aromas and flavors of the predominately Merlot based wine. Our annual addition of
25% new oak barrels results in aromas of toasted vanilla beans that nicely enhance the plush flavors of the black fruits".
John McKay, winemaker
The 2001 vintage Marilyn Merlot is a
blend of 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. The small addition of Cabernet gives the wine a more complex vinous aroma and a richer texture on the palate. The addition of 25% new oak barrels
delivers the fragrance of milk chocolate that nicely compliments the black fruit flavors of the grapes." John McKay, winemaker