Wine Facts

Vintage: 2004
Appellation: Suisun Valley, California
Release Date: May 2006
Varietal: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot
Ageing: 12 months in a mix of small French, European
and American oak barrels
Brix at Harvest: 26
Alcohol: 13.9%
PH: 3.72
TA (Total Acidity): 5.7 g/L
Cases Produced: 1000
Winemaker: Jef Stebben
UPC CODE: 894390000081

Smooth and joyful the 2004 Amelie has been created to perpetuate one of the traditions of the Contado: crafting of a special wine to celebrate a joyful event in the family. It shows a different side of Mankas Hills Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon by blending it with Merlot. The Merlot lends its softening touch while adding a different spectrum of fruit to this elegant wine.

Winemaker’s Comments

2004 marks the inaugural release of Amelie. Aromas of vanilla and oak, along with blackberry and mocha will greet you upon opening a bottle of this rare gem. Blackberry continues in the mouth along with cassis, ripe plums, and a brambly fruit character. As the wine opens up it reveals hints of black cherry which intensify over time (one of the true signatures of the Mankas Hills Vineyard). The addition of Merlot to this wine adds a nice full mouth texture and softens the impact of tannins into a gracefully long finish.