About Our Wine

Located in the Rutherford Bench on the border of St. Helena and Rutherford, the house and vineyard were purchased as a weekend retreat without any intention of wine making. The small vineyard, cared for by a vineyard manager, produced such good fruit that the desire to produce a 100% merlot wine became a necessity. In 2005, after interviews with various winemakers, Judd’s Hill Winery, specializing in micro crush and boutique wines was chosen to produce and bottle the wine. The wine was made in close relationship with the winemaker, and was released two years later.

2005 Allene Merlot

The grapes come from our small, single vineyard in the Rutherford Bench in the Napa Valley and are tended with personal care. Watching the cycles of growth each season, caring for the tender fruit throughout the spring, summer and fall culminating in the satisfaction of harvest, when the whole valley simmers with excitement, and the scent of crush is in the air, there is only one thing left to do. Produce a wine that can be shared and enjoyed. Working together with winemakers Art, Judd and Greg at Judd’s Hill Winery, as well as designing a label with Arturo Renteria has been a wonderful, creative process. It gives me the same joy as when I dance, sing, spend time with friends, cook a special dish or just walk through the vineyards, taking in the beauty of the valley in which we live. I am proud and happy with the result of this wine and hope that you will drink it with as much pleasure as I do.

A perfectly well balanced wine of great character with beautiful fruit and color that can be paired with almost any dish.

Facts

• Aged in Bordeaux Chateau Ferre SR Blend French Oak Medium Toast barrels for 18 months.
• Bottled in June of 2007.
• 168 cases were released in October.
• Alcohol content is 14.3%.
• The appellation is RUTHERFORD.

"This merlot really charmed me right away with its super soft, plush, low acid texture, and juicy, grapey, blackberry notes. It's great to find a merlot of this quality at this superb, terrific price and you can drink it right away or cellar it for a few years."

— Stefan Blicker, of www.bpwine.com in St. Helena