The Chateau Julien 2005 Barrel Aged Merlot was produced from grapes in South Monterey County’s Lockwood Valley, which is located in a unique coastal valley that sits at a 980 foot elevation and produces wines with intense varietal characteristics. Merlot has been Chateau Julien’s flagship varietal since its first vintage in 1982, and for good reason: previous
vintages have been named among the top most popular Merlots in the nation and have received “Best Buy” and “Highly Recommended” honors, among a multitude of Gold and Silver Medals. The 2005 Merlot is no different, capturing a Gold Medal from the California State Fair, a Silver Medal from the Grand Harvest Awards, and a Silver Medal from the Dallas Morning News Wine Competition. Among aromas of ripe berries, plums and Bing cherries, hints of vanilla and cedar create a nice balance and alluring entry into this full-bodied, flavorful wine. The palate is full of red-cherry nuances and black raspberry notes followed by a hint of oak. Beverage Tasting Institute says the 2005 Merlot is a Recommended wine and “will work well with food.”