THE 1998 MERLOT

The Merlot grapes that make up the 1998 Berthoud Merlot were harvested in separate lots on October 11th and 13th. The fruit was handpicked into 40 lb. wooden boxes and crushed directly into open top redwood vats. For 10 days, several times per day, all members of the Berthoud family took turns punching down the cap to ensure maximum color extraction. Post fermentation, the wine was pressed in a 19th century basket press and pumped into 60-gallon French oak barrels to age. After 22 months, the wine emerged loaded with ripe plum and cherry notes; with exceptional concentration and balance, to be enjoyed at its peak through 2008.