2016 Firestone Vineyard The Chairman Series Merlot, Santa Ynez Valley
Winemaker Notes
This wine expresses aromas of roasted plum and espresso with hints of boysenberry. The
palate reflects flavors of lush red fruit and rich espresso with a touch of pipe tobacco. Toasty
oak and balanced acidity tie the whole package together.
Composition
93% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon,
2% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot
Wine Specs
Vintage
2016
Varietal
Merlot
Appellation
Santa Ynez Valley
Harvest Date
August 23 – October 8, 2016
Acid
7.0 g/L
pH
3.5
Aging
20 months in French, Hungarian and American oak, 30% new
Bottling Date
August 7, 2018
Alcohol %
14.5
Production Notes
2016 was another vintage of both high quality and quantity of fruit. An early bud break in
the third week of February and a warm spring led to a slightly earlier bloom. Summer
temperatures were mild and warm resulting in a good fruit set and average yields. We
harvested all the fruit on August 23 – October 8, 2016 in cool temperatures to ensure cold
fruit at pressing.
Vineyard Notes
The Santa Ynez Valley is located just two hours north of Los Angeles and five hours south
of San Francisco, adjacent the cold Pacific Ocean. With the greatest concentration of
wineries in Santa Barbara County - roughly 18% of its total land planted to vineyards - it is
among the favorite weekend destinations for wine aficionados in the Central Coast region.