Phoenix Vineyards & Rancho Napa Wines - 1996 Vindicator Meritage

1996 Vindicator Meritage

Reg. Price:	~~$20.00~~
Sale Price:	$12.00
Save:	$8.00

68% CabSauv, 17% CabFranc, 15% Merlot &reds
Aged 29 months in French and American Oak

Details:

Winemaker's Notes:

Varietal %s: 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot with Pinotage, Syrah and Sangiovese
Date of Harvest: Sept 15, 26, Nov 2 and 15(Cabernet Sauvignon); Sept 25 and Nov 8 (Cabernet Franc)
Brix at Harvest: 22.5 to 24.0 B
Length of Ferment: 6-8 days with up to 26 days additional skin contact time
End Alcohol: 13.7%
Time in Oak: 29 months in a mix of French and American Oak barrels (25% 1 year old French and American)
Bottling Date: March, 1999 190 cases produced

Our 1996 Vindicator is a complex and elegant wine from a characteristically soft vintage. Higher potassium levels in the 1996 grapes led to lower acid in many of the finished wines from Californias North Coast. This wine has slightly more acid than some wines of the vintage (from the Cabernet franc addition) but the extended barrel aging period (almost 2.5 years!) has matured the finish of the wine to a smooth velvet. This long barrel aging has also integrated the toasty notes from the barrels quite well. The wines aromas are initially subdued but develop nicely with some air exposure. Scents of ripe cherry, vanilla, earth, olive, sandalwood and even citrus peel soon become evident. The mid-palate shows the rich Cabernet Sauvignon core of the wine with good concentration and viscosity. Many of the aroma characters, especially the cherry tones along with plum, carry into the flavors and long finish of the wine.
This wine would pair nicely with all manner of red meat, especially game, as well as hearty stews. It is ready for consumption now but could be aged an additional 3 years or more. The wine was bottled unfiltered so with time sediment may appear in the bottle.