2002 Rhodes Vineyard Merlot •

Grapes for this 2002 Merlot came from the Rhodes Vineyard in Redwood Valley, Mendocino County California. Richard and Annette farm 182 acres of vineyards, some of their land was planted almost 90 years ago. The Rhodes have a soft spot for small wineries, they think the labor-intense methods of fermentation we use produce the full expression of their grapes.

The grapes were picked early in the morning and were de-stemmed and crushed within an hour of leaving the field. The must was cold soaked for 48 hours to increase extraction of varietal fruit flavors and aroma. During fermentation the must was punched down by hand three times a day. After fermentation the wine was placed in one-third new, one-third once used and one-third twice used French Oak barrels. The wine was aged for 20 months before being bottled.

Raye’s Hill Rhodes Merlot is a complex wine with deep ruby color and aroma of ripe red fruit and vanilla. This jammy wine has intense cherry and strawberry flavors, which are followed by a long finish.

Total production 160 cases

Technical Stuff

TA .61
VA 0.051
pH 3.42

Alcohol 14.1%

Bronze Medal - 2004 Grand Harvest Wine Competition