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1997 Merlot (Bennett Valley)

Wine Details
Place of Origin

United States

Bennett Valley

Sonoma

Color

Red

Grape/Blend

Merlot

Vintages
20172009200620001999199819971996199519941993199219911990198919881987198619851984
Reviews & Tasting Notes

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Winemakers Bill Parker and Susan Reed describe the '96 vintage as better for whites than '97, as the fruit was picked in a more deliberate, controlled manner and there was less bother from pests and mold in the earlier year. In 1997, the estate eliminated rot-affected chardonnay berries to save the rest; the clean fruit that remained was able to ripen more easily. There will be no Journey chardonnay in either '97 or '96. Parker and Reed describe the '96 and '97 merlots as similar in density and weight. The crop level for the estate merlot was low in '97, and an April hail storm in 1998 cut that year estate yield by a full 50%.