2009 Teri's Blend
The 2009 Tucker Teri's blend was appropriately named after the winemaker's wife who relished in the blending processes and subsequently was awarded a label name when she orchestrated the blend of this wine.
After numerous trials with the winemaker and his assistants seeking a consensus on the blend, Teri insisted that the Carneros Merlot should be the dominate varietal and the Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon its complimentary counterpart. We all then focused on different percentages of each until we come up with this perfect balance.
The Carneros Merlot vineyard which sits at the very southwestern edge of Napa Valley tends to ripen more slowly than other appellations because of its proximity to the cool coastal fog from San Pablo Bay. Thus harvest of this fruit was delayed until it had reached optimum ripeness in early November, months after its neighboring varietals of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir had been harvested. This extremely long hang time make for very intense flavors and aromas.
The Cabernet Sauvignon, on the other hand, was sourced from vineyards high up in the Howell Mountain AVA at the northeastern tip of Napa Valley. Fruit from this appellation, with its well drained rocky soil, tend to be very concentrated with big black fruits, dark chocolate and firm tannins.
This complex expressive wine has beautiful balance and depth. The dark black cherry, spice and earthiness from the Merlot along with the dark chocolate, current and cigar box from the Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon blend harmoniously with firm well integrated tannins, bright acidity, and a long lingering finish. The wine was aged in 100% new French oak for 22 months.
Alcohol: 14.5
pH: 3.79
TA: 5.97