Santa Rosa Winery, Wine Tasting Rooms, Winery Events, Best Wineries in Sonoma County

Santa Rosa Winery, Wine Tasting Rooms, Winery Events, Best Wineries in Sonoma County
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2003 D’Argenzio
Merlot Russian River Valley

Tasting Notes

A full-bodied Merlot with charming aromas of warmed blueberries, cedar and violets. With the first sip, splashes of fresh blackberry and currant fill the mouth. Light roasted coffee complemented by spices and a whisper of eucalyptus round out the long, lingering finish. Sixteen acres of Merlot are planted on a hillside vineyard nestled 200 feet above the Russian River, just west of Healdsburg. The soil is gravelly clay and speckled loam.The climate includes cool, foggy nights and hot days. The vineyard is low vigor and though trellised on a two-wire vertical system, it yields only about three tons per acre. The Merlot vines are the Sterling clone, which features a very small berry and yields intensely colored and extracted fruit. This wine is very balanced and will age well. It was fermented and aged in 45% new French oak barrels for 18 months.

Released
October 2005

Vineyard
Herrick Vineyards

Varietals
85% Merlot
10% Cabernet Sauvignon
5% Petite Verdot

Production
134 Cases – Very Limited Allocation
Aging Well

Alcohol
15% 375 ml bottle

Cooperage
18 Months in 100% French Oak

PDF Tasting Notes

  • This wine is no longer available.

Hand crafted by the D’Argenzio Family

In The News
Mouthwatering Merlot ***½ Panel Favorite!
2003 D’Argenzio Winery, Russian River Valley
“Dense and dark in color, aromas and mouthfeel with scents of semi-sweet chocolate, black cherry, rose petal potpourri and a waft of smoke. This Bordeaux style Merlot is deliciously rich and fruity in the mouth, and the chocolate-cherry-smoke theme carries through to the finish. The .375ml bottle size is perfect for a picnic or when you just want to enjoy a glass or two of an excellent Merlot.
Merlot wines tend to be soft and fruity, with a velvety texture and flavors of cherry, berry and green herbs. Try pairing these soft, friendly wines with roasted meats and vegetables, tomato based pasta dishes, grilled salmon and mild cheeses.”

San Diego Union – Tribune
Weekly review

January 22, 2024 Breanna D'Argenzio
Breanna D'Argenzio