Goosecross Cellars &#187; Merlot

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2007 Napa Valley Merlot

David — Thu, 20 May 2010 21:20:00 +0000

This is no Cabernet wannabe. With its red fruit, velvety tannins and earthy, slightly herbal note it’s unmistakably Merlot.

This is 100% Merlot, but you can still call it a blend because it brings together rich, ripe flavors from our Yountville Estate and the leaner, earthier character of Carneros-grown fruit. It all adds up to delicious! 2007, perhaps the best vintage we’ve seen since 1997, yielded flavors of ripe cherry, strawberry, turned earth, mocha and a hint of smoke and toasty oak.

Merlot and food: With its soft tannins, Merlot has a long-standing reputation for being versatile at the table. Colleen serves it with everything from poultry to pasta, to a good steak! Give it a try with her recipe for Spring Lamb with Honey-Thyme Root Vegetables.

2006 Napa Valley Merlot

David — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:34:33 +0000

Deep, luscious flavors of black cherry, cranberry, cocoa and vanilla with hints of nutmeg, white blossom and toasty oak.

Pairings: Grilled steak or lamb, roast duck, pork, and slow-cooked dishes.

2005 Napa Valley Merlot

David — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 22:22:06 +0000

Full, rich flavors with a silky texture, this wine is generous with black cherry, lush boysenberry, toasty oak and a hint of herbs. Pairings: Roast lamb, duck or pork, grilled steak, slow-cooked dishes.

2004 Napa Valley Merlot

David — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 20:00:07 +0000

“It’s funny how 2004 was the polar opposite of 2003, and yet the quality and consistency of the terroir really comes through in both vintages…” comments Winemaker Geoff Gorsuch. While the 2003 vintage was late to ripen, 2004 got off to a jack-rabbit start with a false summer in March and never let up, ending with one of the earliest harvests in memory. “…yields were down a bit, but the fruit was gorgeous. This has all the richness and elegance I look for in Merlot.”

Winemaker Notes
The Merlot was gently crushed and allowed a few days “cold soak” before the fermentation to increase flavor extraction without picking up excess tannins. Geoff found that adding a bit of Petit Verdot brought a sense of subtle sweetness to the nose and enhanced the luscious, palate- coating mouth feel—the first crop from our estate vineyard since re-planting it a few years ago. Enticing aromas of black cherry, sweet strawberry, mint and spice anticipate lush layers of velvety plum, rich blackberry, a hint of aromatic herbs and toasty oak that linger on the palate.

Food Suggestions
With its silky tannins the Merlot is very versatile at the table. It’s a rich and wonderful partner for the sweetness of roast pork. An herb-stuffed roast chicken or duck will complement the subtle hint of herbs in the wine. Rediscover a classic combination and enjoy our Merlot with lamb. For a special treat, Geoff loves to savor a glass of the Merlot with Colleen’s recipe for Rack of Lamb with Pomegranate Molasses. Give it a try!

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2003 Napa Valley Merlot

David — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 07:00:04 +0000

As always our Merlot is fruit forward and lush on the palate. The vineyard is a little south of the winery on the east side of the valley where the afternoon sun brings out aromas of ripe cherry and raspberry. Elegant and richly textured with flavors of juicy blackberry, vanilla and clove, the wine finishes with subtle, toasty oak and soft, supple tannins.

2002 Napa Valley Merlot

David — Tue, 09 Nov 2004 20:00:50 +0000

This full, complex wine blossoms in ripe berry, plum, and cherry on the nose, and boasts a beautiful array of soft spicy oak, bold berry and jammy strawberry flavors, with a hint of clove and a generous mouth-feel. Lingering flavors of oak and berry, highlighted by medium tannins, finish the palate on an elegant frame.

Food Suggestions
Our winemaker suggests pairing this limited release Napa Valley Merlot with grilled steak, short ribs, beef brisket, rack of lamb, roast pork, and grilled pork tenderloin. It will also pair well with Lasagna, penne & sausage, and ravioli. Complements Turkey with rich or heavy sauces. Oh heck… anyone ready for a hamburger and glass of Merlot?