Vintage

The 2012 growing season started with an exceptional fruit set that allowed for tailoring the eventual ripened crops through green harvest. Three previous vintages had offered lower yields. That said, yields from 2012 were back to ‘normal’ and even a bumper crop in some cases. Heralded as a ‘classic’ Napa Valley vintage, the growing season was long. Days were warmer than average and nights were very cool. These temperature fluctuations created even ripeness in the berries with great acidity to assist in aging ability and higher sugars to help create lush, full wines. Harvest was easy going with no surprise rains or temperature spikes. The wines from this vintage will be talked about for many years to come.

Vineyard                                                                                                                                                               

Our family vineyard is located on 40 acres of Napa Valley floor just north of St. Helena on the Silverado Trail. It has well-drained, sandy, alluvial soils and is characterized by its ability to produce complex wines with well-defined fruit flavors, gentle acids and naturally balanced tannins. The fruit from this small section of vineyard is largely devoted to blending into our Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon wines with any excess reserved for a small production, varietal Merlot wine.

Wine Profile

The 2012 Titus Merlot delivers a lavish and complex wine. The aromas are built on a core of red cherry, cassis and fruit leather that are complemented by notes of tobacco, baking spice, mocha and black tea.  The mouthfeel of this delightful wine is smooth and has a medium body that makes it a pleasure to sip.  The flavors are dominated by maraschino cherries, vermouth, mulberry and cigar box.  There’s a nice hint of oak spice, coco nib and toasted pie crust to round out the finish.  Enjoy this wine now through 2020.

Technical Information

Vineyard Manager:      Eric Titus

Winemaker:                 Phillip Titus

Appellation:                 Napa Valley

Harvest Date:               October 5, 2012

Blend:                         78% Merlot

                                  14% Cabernet Sauvignon

                                  5% Malbec

                                  3% Petit Verdot

Cases Produced:          432

Release:                    August 2014

Barrel Aging:            20 months, French Oak/Hungarian Oak, 40% New

Bottled:                  June 2014       

Alcohol:                14.5%             

Total Acidity:         .61g/100 ml

pH:                       3.78