There are some vintages that seem to unfold seamlessly — 2004 was one of them. Not only did our Howell Mountain Merlot grapes achieve excellent quality, the growing season set a relatively easy pace for our vineyard team. A moderately rainy winter gave way to a warm, dry spring (rains virtually ended by March) and early start to vine development. The warm temperatures initiated early budbreak and bloom, with satisfactory berry set. Relatively mild temperatures persisted throughout summer and continued through most of the harvest season, fostering even ripening. Due to the higher elevation and cooler temperatures, Howell Mountain Merlot tends to ripen up to a month later than Merlot planted on the Napa Valley floor. We hand harvested these Merlot grapes on October 14, the day before late fall rains began, with an average sugar of 27.1° Brix.

 
There’s a sweet thickness to our 2004 Merlot’s aromas and flavors from the highly ripe, concentrated mountain-plateau grapes. The full-bodied flavors, which I would definitely describe as voluptuous, display a rich core of deep cherry and dark chocolate character. Enticing scents of forest loam, sweet cedar and toasty oak add complexity. The tannins are well- structured, yet velvety and supple.
          Thomas Peffer, Winemaker


 
Appellation: Howell Mountain AVA, Napa Valley
 
Grape Varietals: 98% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon
 
Vineyard Information: Harvested exclusively from W.S. Keyes Estate Vineyard
 
Harvest Date: October 14, 2004
 
Barrel Regime: 26 months in French oak barrels (90% new), Nevers forest, medium-plus toast
 
Final Analysis: 14.4% alcohol by volume; .58g/100ml total acid; 3.56 pH
 
Bottling Date: February 7, 2007
 
Cases Produced: 274 six-bottle cases (750 ml bottles) and 5 six-bottle cases of magnums (1.5L)