2015 Foley Johnson Handmade Merlot, Rutherford
Winemaker Notes
Dark and bold, this 2015 Estate Merlot displays inviting aromas of plum, blackberry, and violet with earthy
notes of sage, and clove. Silky tannins add body and structure to this supple wine. This is a deep, rich Merlot
that delivers a truly exceptional mouthfeel while showing its elegance and complexity.
Food Pairing Notes
Pair this dynamic
wine with grilled sausages and carmelized onions or alongside a ribeye steak with fresh rosemary.
Composition
100% Merlot
Wine Specs
Vintage
2015
Varietal
Merlot
Appellation
Rutherford
Harvest Date
September 9, 2015
Acid
6.5 g/L
pH
3.65
Aging
20 months in 40% new French, and American oak
Bottling Date
July 11, 2017
Alcohol %
14.80
Production Notes
The Foley Johnson Estate Merlot is grown on gravelly soils that provide ample drainage to decrease the vigor of
foliage growth. These ideal growing conditions allow our Bordeaux varietals to reach full maturity on the vine
without taking on the green leafy taste of under-ripened fruit. The Merlot was harvested September 9, 2015 under
clear night skies. The wine went through 100% malolactic fermentation and was racked four times throughout the
barreling process. After 20 months of aging in 40% new French, and American oak barrels, the wine was bottled in
July 2017.
Vineyard Notes
2015 was a prime vintage that produced high quality fruit. An earlier than average budbreak led to harvest beginning
earlier than average as well. The high temperatures in August and early September accelerated maturity and picking
times. Overall the weather was nearly ideal, with conditions that allowed the grapes to have an exceptional level of
acidity without being over ripe. We brought in a bountiful crop of very tasty fruit!
Production
Only 139 cases produced