2007 J. Lohr Estates Los Osos Merlot

2007 was a very dry year in Paso Robles, with the seasonal total for rainfall registering a scant 4.4 inches. Paso Robles was met with serious but short heat waves around the 4th of July and then in the beginning of August, the latter of which hit prior to veraison and had little effect on color development in our red varieties. Crop size was initially below projected in every vineyard, with smaller than average berry size--yet with excellent fruit quality, moderate tannins and deep, rich color. This harvest temperament serves the Merlot variety well, offering ripe and juicy fruit flavors resulting from Paso Robles’ nearly extreme growing conditions.

Merlot
Traditionally, we harvest our estate-grown Merlot grapes across a range of sugar ripeness. The early picks usually capture the classic varietal definition of Merlot, while the fruit harvested later adds depth and intensity to the wine. Clone and rootstock combinations, along with variations in soil add complexity to our 2007 J. Lohr Estates Los Osos Merlot, as does the introduction of recently planted Italian clones. We grow our Merlot grapes in Nacimiento-Los Osos, Arbuckle-San Ysidro and Arbuckle-Positas complex soils on our Los Osos vineyard in Paso Robles, where these well-drained but relatively poor soils have chalky or gravelly components.

TECHNICAL DATA

Origin:	Paso Robles AVA, Los Osos Vineyard and Creston
Composition:	88% Merlot, 6% Malbec, 4% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon
Brix at harvest:	25.8°
Brix Total acidity:	0.63 g/100 ml
pH at bottling:	3.67
Alcohol:	13.76% by volume
Residual sugar:	Dry
Vinification:	Stainless steel fermented. Malolactic in tank, racked and blended after fermentation
Maturation:	11 months in barrel, primarily American oak, 25% new
Bottling date:	March 2009

Winemaker's Comments
The 2007 J. Lohr Estates Los Osos Merlot is dark crimson with a vibrant hue. Aromas of black cherry and blackberry fruit are framed with a signature, light chestnut oak note to complement the flavors of currant and cranberry. The addition of Malbec and Petit Verdot bring characteristic bright notes to an already flavorful wine. Our J. Lohr Los Osos Merlot is medium-bodied with firm and structured tannins, with a finish that is bright and activates the palate. Enjoy now or within ten years, with pork roast in a plum reduction sauce, or baked or roasted chicken.

Price: $15.00 750ml