This wine is a Gold Medal winner!

Notes of ripe plum, black cherry and black currant highlight this wine. Hints of chocolate, leather and white pepper add complexity while smooth tannins make for an easy, lingering spicy finish. Rich full-bodied & full of fruit.

The 2004 season started three weeks ahead of schedule as unseasonably warm weather in March caused an early bud break. Late spring and summer were characterized by a mild and even growing season which allowed the grapes a steady maturation, maximizing hang time on the vine. The season’s consistently moderate weather allowed for full development of flavors.

Gann Family Cellars Alexander Valley Merlot is produced from their Estate Vineyard in Healdsburg, Sonoma County. The vineyard benefits from morning summer fogs that roll in through the Chalk Hill gap and up the Russian River in southwest Alexander Valley. A combination of cool mornings and evenings, along with warmer afternoons, allow the grapes to develop their complex flavors. The fruit was crushed and placed in open-top tanks for fermentation. They utilize a submerged cap system and daily pump-overs to maximize color and flavor extraction. Upon completion of fermentation, the wine was transferred to French and Central European barrels, about 60% new, and was allowed to age for 15 months.