Barkan Reserve Merlot 2007

Barkan Reserve Merlot 

Barkan Reserve Merlot originates from several vineyards in the Southern Golan Heights and the Upper Galilee, which are harvested at optimum ripeness, avoiding over maturity from which the Merlot tends to suffer. Merlot grapes allowed to ripen excessively easily become jammy and blowsy, giving wines which lack definition and staying power. We make a point of harvesting our Merlot vineyards just at the right moment.

Vinification of the Barkan Reserve Merlot is classic, with maceration times ranging from 2 weeks in rotary fermenters to 3 weeks in traditional upright fermenters. Part of the press wine is blended back with the free running wine, to add some structure.

After malolactic fermentation, the wines from the different parcels are aged in oak barriques, mostly of American oak; about one third of the barrels are new, the rest of 2nd or 3rd use. After 14 months in oak, the winemakers choose the lots that will form the final blend. This blend then rests a few more months in stainless steel tanks and then bottled.

Barkan Reserve Merlot is above all a Merlot, not trying to imitate the muscle of Cabernet but true to its own character. It is a beautifully soft wine, with firm but round tannins wrapped around plush cherry and raspberry fruit, with layers of licorice, black pepper and subtle green pepper. The fruit is enhanced by the oak, contributing to its complexity, but never dominating the wine.

-From the producer