Freemark Abbey 2009 Merlot Napa Valley Red Wine 89 Points

Freemark Abbey

The color is a deep, rich ruby-garnet. With forward spicy sweet oak, there are layers of flavor composed of black cherry, raspberry, dark plum, dark chocolate and spices such as cinnamon, clove and vanilla. The entry and finish are very smooth with integrated fruit resembling black cherry and Santa Rosa plum. The velvety texture coupled with the richness of flavor provides a profile that delivers from initial sip, one that continues on the palate for a very long finish...enjoy.

Wine Enthusiast

A juicy, fruity Merlot, packed with fresh flavors of blackberries, cherries, red currants, licorice and cedar, and totally dry on the finish. The tannins are very fine. Shows lots of lush complexity for the price. Score: 89 - Steve Heimoff, June 2010.

Type	Red
Varietal	Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Syrah,
Vintage	2009
Bottle size	750mL
Alcohol content	14.4%
Appellation	California – Napa Valley
Wine Advocate	--
Wine Enthusiast	89
Wine Spectator	--
Other	n/a

Ted Edwards, winemaker

Since grammar school, I lived in the Russian River Appellation and watched it change from apples to grapes. I loved both, and my Father introduced me to wine at an early age. I was always associated with agriculture but it wasn't until graduate school did I decide to pursue my interest in wine.   I was 23, and finally recognized my vocation, which has developed into a life long passion. While settling in the Napa Valley for the past 20 years, my winemaking has evolved from the academic winemaking of a young student to where I am more of a Chef, and wine is my area of expertise. Today, I am so stimulated to learn about different growing regions, climates, soils and varieties. I will always be a student of wine and winegrowing."  

Ted holds a Bachelors and Masters of Science from the University of California at Davis. After six years as "cellar rat" and Assistant Winemaker at Freemark Abbey and Rutherford Hill Winery, he was named "the big Kahuna" Winemaker in 1985 at Freemark.