Winemakers Notes: Merlot is a grape that gets thrown around a lot. We think Merlot is a wonderful grape and makes exceptional wines. Chumeia has been producing Merlot since 1999 as a stand alone varietal. The 2006 was fermented in stainless steel tanks at 80 degrees F for 14 days. After fermentation the wine allowed to complete Malo-lactic 100% and then aged in stainless steel for 12 months. Prior to blending the wine was flashed in new French oak for three months to round off the tannins and polish the mid palate. While blending the wine it started to demonstrate big red fruit flavors and generous notes of vanilla, cedar, anise, coco powder, and pipe tobacco.