William Hill Estate : Napa Valley

1999 Napa Valley Merlot

Grape Source

The William Hill Napa Valley Merlot is produced from fruit grown mainly on benchland vineyards just south of Stags Leap in Napa Valley. Merlot from this growing region typically exhibits lush berry and raspberry flavors. The grapes were harvested between September 26 and October 29, 1999, at an average 25.1º Brix.

Vintage

The 1999 growing season in Napa Valley was one of the windiest and latest on record. Warmer temperatures did not arrive until September and early October, quickly boosting grape sugar levels and causing winemakers to scramble to find enough tank space to handle the crush of red and white wines simultaneously. While tonnage was slightly down, fruit quality was very high.

Winemaking

The wine was fermented at 80ºF in stainless steel; 40% of the blend underwent whole berry fermentation. The wine was then aged in a combination of new to five-year-old French (90%) and American (10%) oak barrels for 13 months.

Winemaker notes

Partial whole berry fermentation softens tannins, allowing the fruit flavors and succulent texture to shine on the palate. The 1999 Napa Valley Merlot shows forward flavors of boysenberry and blueberry that are complemented by spice, toasty oak and soft vanilla nuances. This is a full-bodied Merlot with a silky mouthfeel and rich lush texture.

Food Recommendations

This rich Merlot is a great match for roasted beef, lamb or wild game.  It also pairs nicely with simpler fare, such as tomato and herb pasta, hearty soups or fresh mozzarella pizza.