Our 1998 Sonoma County Merlot is a fine example of how climate, not volume, can contribute to the making of a delicious wine. We are fortunate to be located in Sonoma County where grapes grown in our cooler valleys produce Merlots with exotic aromas, a fruit-packed palate, and good ageability. This theory of selectivity may limit our production, but at Arrowood we have never been interested in high crop yielding vineyards and ramped-up production.

Our attentive production process matches our careful vine selection. After fermentation, the wine was aged in French and American oak barrels for nearly two years. Vineyard lots were aged separately then blended prior to bottling. In our non-interventional winemaking style, the wine was neither fined nor filtered. As with previous vintages, the 1998 Merlot is rich in exotic aromatics. In addition, we blended the wine with a small amount of Cabernet Franc to enhance its aromatic profile. In the nose you will discover a blend of dark chocolate, black cherries, spice, and subtle cigar box. Its vibrant flavors include dark berries, cassis, chocolate, notes of cedar, and a subtle spice quality that lends a Spanish olive element into the palate. A toasty oak finish completes this intense sensory experience.

Several years of proper storage will provide great rewards. This Merlot possesses the complexity and delicious fruit to be enjoyed now, on its own, or with a variety of red meat. It will also pair well with pork dishes complemented with baked fruit. Any creamy cheese such as Brie or Cambazola would be lovely with our Merlot