About Fogarty
Few wine regions on earth can match Santa Cruz Mountains’ climates, soils and vertigo-inspiring views. Set high in the mountains overlooking California’s Silicon Valley, the Thomas Fogarty winery has been making single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet from the SCM appellation since 1981. Fogarty’s two estates are divided into micro-vineyards, ranging from .25 to 5.25 acres, based on soil and topography. All are maritime (12-18 miles to Pacific), cool-climate (Regions I and II), high-elevation (1600-2300 feet), low yielding (1-3 tons per acre) and mountainous. The winery was founded by Dr. Thomas Fogarty, a Stanford cardiovascular surgeon and world-renowned inventor.

Vintage
2004 was a challenging but highly successful vintage for the Santa Cruz Mountains. A heat spike in early September forced us to re-evaluate our traditional cool-climate viticultural practices. Hard work and patience allowed us to adapt to growing conditions that were more like Napa or Sonoma than Santa Cruz Mountains. Beautiful weather during most of our "ripening zone" led to miniscule yields of intensely flavored fruit.

Vineyards
We sourced Merlot for this bottling from our Gist Ranch Estate and Camel Hill Vineyards. The two sites complement each other well with the Gist Merlot providing structure and depth and the Camel Hill featuring more aromatics and bright fruit.

Winemaking
Our 2004 Merlot Santa Cruz Mountains was aged for 22 months in 10% new French oak with rackings three times a year. We blended a small amount (2%) of Cabernet Sauvignon to add structure and depth.

Tasting Notes
The 2004 SCM Merlot opens with an exuberant nose of star anise, fresh herbs and black raspberry fruit. All the marks of great Merlot are present: soaring aromatics, lush mouth and fantastic fruit density. Distinguished and refined, this wine has the stuffing to age well over the next decade, but provides enjoyable drinking in its youth.

TECHNICAL DATA:

Appellation
Santa Cruz Mountains

WINEMAKER
Michael Martella

VINEYARDS
63% Camel Hill Vineyard, 37% Gist Ranch Estate Vineyard

COMPOSITION
98% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon

Elevation: 1600 feet
Distance from the ocean: 15 miles
Finished alcohol: 15.5%
Acid/pH: .70/3.40
Oak treatment: French Oak 22 months
Total production: 350 cases
Retail price: $35.00