Shooting Star Merlot 2009

Vineyards

We are always on the lookout for classic varieties planted in ideal locations. Here the red volcanic soils, ample sunshine, almost no fog and the 1500 foot plus elevation and cool night temperatures, all add up to a wonderful place to grow red grapes. We harvest Merlot from two growers: Reed and Sarah Dorn and Floyd and Jolene Silva. The Dorns have the most dramatic vineyard in Lake County. Perched on a hollow on the northwest corner of the dormant volcano Mt Konocti, you look down 1000 feet to the lake and see a perfect circle in Dorn Bay: an ancient cinder cone. The Silvas’ vineyard is a manicured jewel on the bench land near Highland Springs Reservoir, close to Lakeport. The soils are great and the vines really produce some of the best fruit we have ever seen from Lake County.

Winemaking

Merlot has always been a strong performer in Lake County. The wines are better structured and denser than a typical Merlot. An addition of Cabernet Franc helps balance the wine and give it more fruit. We aged this wine in American Oak barrels for 12 months.