
The 2002 vintage has been heralded as the best vintage since 1997 and our winemaker, John Gibson echoes these claims. A nearly flawless growing season with adequate rainfall, warm spring, followed by a hot summer, set the stage for an early harvest. At picking, the grapes were full of ripe flavors, very good sugar and acid balance, and mature tannins.
The 2002 Merlot is a delightful and youthful wine. Scarlet red in color with rich red berry flavors, enjoy it with red meat dishes, hearty stew, or in front of a warm cozy fire when it is just too cold or wet to go outside.
Harvest Analysis – 24.8 Brix, 5.75 g/1 TA, 3.55 pH
Pre-fermentation Maceration – 2 days @ 60 degrees F
Maximum Fermentation Temperature – 90 degrees F
Total Skin Contact Time – 14 days
Blend Composition – 98% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon
Bottling Date – April 10, 2004
Production – 584 cases
Barrel Aging – 15 months in French Oak, 33% new Allier and Center of France Forests, Medium Plus Toast.
Tasting Notes
Aromas: The wine opens with the aromas of fresh raspberries, cloves, and toasty oak.
Flavors: In the mouth, the flavors of bing cherries, berries and plumbs are complimented with hints of coconut, toasted almonds, and nutmeg.
Food Pairings: A Merlot with lots of fruit and soft tannins, it is a perfect accompaniment to red meat dishes and hearty stews.
Notes From Our Winemaker, John Gibson
Laraine 2006 Chardonnay, Estate Grown -- WINEMAKER NOTES
A benchmark for Sierra Foothill Chardonnay, our 2006 vintage is a beautifully balanced and complex wine with a delicate core of floral and citrus. Golden yellow and viscous, this delicious white has aromas of freshly baked apple pie, ripe pear, orange zest, juicy mango, violets and honey. On the palate it is round and silky, like chantilly cream, and has rich, buttery notes that develop . . .
Laraine 2006 Petite Sirah, Estate Grown -- WINEMAKER NOTES
A red wine of exceptional depth and character, our 2006 Petite Sirah is a stunning example of Sierra Foothill quality. The initial aromas are meaty and pungent, with a combination of dense dark blackberries, loganberries and hints of smoke, spice and caramelized orange peel. Trademark inky and jammy tones fill the mouth with flavors that are full, rich, and supple, featuring ripe plums . . .
Laraine 2006 Sangiovese, Estate Grown -- WINEMAKER NOTES
An Italian grape that thrives on sunshine and lots of warmth, our 2006 Sangiovese is a wonderful example of what you can achieve when you match the right growing conditions to the right varietal. Beautiful layers of blackberry, ripe plum and strawberries form this intense and elegant wine. Well structured with earth and tea-like flavors, this is a full, round wine with silky tannins . . .
Laraine, 2004 Syrah, Gerber Vineyards -- WINEMAKER NOTES
Stimulated by the warmth and abundant sunshine of Calaveras County, our Syrah vines have always flourished and produced wines of exceptional quality ~ 2004 was no exception. Dark ruby in color with inky hues, this wine demonstrates rich fruit nuances of plums, wild berries, and ripe, juicy blueberries. Notes of mocha and cassis combine with a delicate undercurrent of spice and herbs; . . .