2013 HAPPY CANYON VINEYARD “BARRACK FAMILY ESTATE BRAND”
MERLOT

AVA
HAPPY CANYON OF SANTA BARBARA

ESTATE GROWN, HAPPY CANYON VINEYARD
85% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec, and 2% Petit Verdot
Alcohol 14.1%, pH 3.64 and TA 6.7 g/L

WINEMAKING NOTES
2013 was a year of ideal growing conditions, with high yields and excellent quality fruit.  Another year of drought, with well below average rainfall, the 2013 summer arrived with little fog and perfect clear warm (not hot) days. These perfect conditions allowed for slow grape development, retaining natural grape acidity resulting in well-balanced wines with rich concentrated varietal flavors.  Our Merlot fruit is from two clones on vines planted side by side at the very top of a high plateau, which offers 360-degree views of the neighboring vineyards below. The fruit was fermented using handcrafted wine making techniques and resulting wine was matured in mostly new Taransaud French oak barrels for 22 months, stirred in barrel and then racked three times before bottling.  

TASTING NOTES
The finished wine has dark intense colors of ruby red with solid bold color from rim to middle.  The aromas open with notes of sweet plum, red beet, blackberry, black current, and savory wood notes.  On the palate, the bright fruits come alive and show a wine that is dry and complex with finely structured tannins. The wine is made even more balanced and luxurious with the four other grapes; Cabernet Sauvignon adding tannin and strength, the Cabernet Franc adding a spicy lift, the Malbec adding an earthy full rich flavor and the Petit Verdot, with its intense color and powerful tannins seamlessly intertwining them all.  Pairs well with grilled lamb.

CASES PRODUCED
126 Cases (packaged in 252 six pack boxes)