Nearly all of Opolo wines are estate vintages, meaning that they are made from grapes grown by the winery. The central operation comprises of 98 rolling Westside vineyards in as idyllic a setting as the beautiful Paso Robles area offers. The climate here owes a great debt to the nearby Pacific Ocean. The cooling effect of the marine layer accounts for temperature swings – the diurnal range – that can be as great as 50 degrees from afternoon highs to morning lows. This great disparity in temperatures enables the fruit to enjoy a much longer “hang time” and encourages high sugar levels and concentration of flavors.
A few notes and reviews of Opolo’s 2005 vintage Merlot.
Wine Blog Gabe’s View:
“The 2005 Opolo Vineyards Merlot opens with a big nose loaded with dark plum, black cherry and subtle eucalyptus. Taking the first sip it’s apparent this big wine need to be decanted if it’ to be enjoyed now. At least an hour in the decanter is recommended to allow this one to begin to truly emote. Once it opens up an avalanche of berry fruit, spice and structure becomes apparent. The mid-palate of this wine has mocha and cherry notes underscored by a candied edge. Cedar and earth notes become more prominent at the end of the mid-palate and carry through the finish which is above average in length. Good acidity is present and this wine is nicely balanced.”
Snooth.com:
“Merlot has gotten a bad rap as of late but there is no denying the wine's appeal. Packed with deep, dark berry fruit and nuanced hints of cocoa, herb and earth with a soft structure. Its velvety texture makes Merlot instantly appealing and an obvious alternative to similar, more tannic Bordeaux varieties.”
From the Winemaker:
2005 MERLOT
THE VINEYARD
We source fruit for our Merlot from both the east and west vineyards. The west side property, delivers fruit with beautiful round flavors of plum and berry, while the east side fruit brings tannic structure and aromatics to the wine. The Merlot is planted at each of these vineyards on the lower slopes of hillsides in order to ensure its ability to reach full maturity by harvest without over ripening.
VINTAGE SUMMARY
This year’s vintage began as normal with cold winter months followed by a warm spring. The summer months were hot with just enough cool spikes to allow for extended hang time thus producing grapes of utmost maturity, outstanding quality and rick ripe concentrated flavors.
WINEMAKING PRACTICES
The grapes were hand harvested and separately fermented in small open top bins. Both were aged in French and American oak barrels. Blending trials resulted in the final blend of 65% west side and 35% east side fruit.
TASTING NOTES
True to its varietal flavors, this wine showcases the potential of Merlot in the Paso Robles area. Aromas of black cherry, plum, chocolate and red currant magnify the approachability of this wine, while soft tannins and oak nuances lead to a refined mouth feel. Tasting beautifully now, this wine will only get better with age.
Production: 720 cases
Available in Anchorage by the glass at Kinley’s restaurant.
