Newton Merlot 2005

Newton Merlot 2005 is an indisputable masterpiece of Napa Valley viticulture, crafted by the legendary Newton Vineyard winery.

Founded in 1977 by Dr. Su Hua and Peter Newton, this winery has been a pioneer in the creation of unfiltered wines in the prestigious region of Spring Mountain. This Merlot from the 2005 vintage represents the ultimate expression of a unique mountainous terroir, where vines grow on steep hillsides with volcanic and fast-draining soils that force the roots to go deep in search of nutrients.

The 2005 vintage was characterized by an unusually long and cool growing season, which allowed for a slow and perfect ripening of the grapes, preserving a vibrant acidity and developing an exceptional aromatic complexity that defines great age-worthy wines. The blend of this wine is mainly composed of meticulously hand-selected Merlot grapes, complemented by a small percentage of Cabernet Franc to provide structure, finesse, and floral notes.

The winemaking follows an artisanal and minimal intervention approach: fermentation with indigenous yeasts and aging for 22 to 24 months in selected French oak barrels. By being bottled without filtration or fining, the wine retains all its purity, silky texture, and natural richness. Newton Merlot 2005 is a collector's wine that has evolved magnificently in the bottle, showing the longevity and aging potential of Napa Valley's great red wines.

Its sophisticated profile makes it a gem for luxury wine lovers and international collectors looking for the authenticity of California's unfiltered wines. Each sip reveals the winery's dedication to capturing the pure essence of the vineyard, offering an unparalleled sensory experience that endures over time.

Tasting Note of Newton Merlot 2005:

Visual phase: Deep cherry red color with garnet and tawny reflections, typical of its magnificent evolution in the bottle. Medium-high depth and dense tears.

Olfactory phase: Complex and seductive nose. Aromas of ripe black plum, currant, and fruit compote stand out, intertwined with notes of cedar, tobacco, cocoa, mountain lavender, and a subtle mineral touch of damp earth.

Gustatory phase: On the palate, it is powerful yet extremely silky. Balanced structure with ripe and polished tannins. Flavors of black cherry, dark chocolate, and sweet spices, with a fresh acidity that provides liveliness. Long, persistent, and very elegant finish.

Technical specifications: Alcohol: 14.5% vol. Varieties: 83% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc. Aging: 22 months in French oak barrels.

Value Points

Unique Mountain Terroir: Vineyards located on the steep slopes of Spring Mountain, Napa Valley, with volcanic soils.

Exceptional Aging Vintage: The year 2005 offered a long and cool cycle, ideal for perfect aromatic ripening.

Unfiltered Philosophy: Bottled without filtering or fining to preserve the texture, purity, and natural complexity of the wine.

Artisanal Technique: Natural fermentation with indigenous yeasts and prolonged aging in high-quality French oak.

Service Protocol

Recommended serving temperature: 16-18°C. It is advised to decant the wine at least 1 hour before consumption to allow it to oxygenate and unfold all its aromatic complexity accumulated during the years of aging. Serve in a Bordeaux-type glass.

Ideal pairing: Grilled red meats, duck magret with red fruit sauce, big game stews, complex stews, and cured cheeses of great character.