BUY CHATEAU JULIEN ROYALTY RED ONLINE | Hops Scotch & Vinery

Appellation:Monterey CountyBarrel Aging:12 MonthsBlend:48% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% SyrahThe Barrel Selected label was introduced to the Château Julien wine portfolio in 1998. These wines typically have mild tannins and forward fruit, making them extremely food-friendly and approachable upon release. The Barrel Selected wines are aged in one-to-three year old French and American oak barrels, and have been awarded numerous value accolades over the years. Wines include: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, French Kiss and Royalty Red.THE VINEYARDThis wine was produced solely from grapes grown in the Monterey County appellation. Winemaker Bill Anderson recently expanded beyond our own vineyard to explore quality, diversity and unique varietal characteristics through additional local vineyard partnerships. Long term relationships based on nearly 30 years of local wine production has allowed Anderson the flexibility to draw from multiple sources to produce the best quality and value for our Barrel Selected wines. This wine was harvested from vineyards in the warmer regions of south Monterey County, where warm daytime temperatures are followed by cool nights to ensure ripe fruit development and balanced acidity.THE VINTAGEA cold spring slightly delayed vine development at the beginning of the 2011 growing season, and was followed by warm temperatures and variable weather through the bloom period. An extended warm period in late August and early September ultimately advanced grape maturation, and the bulk of the harvest was done during September and October prior to rains. Yields were close to average.WINEMAKING NOTESAged for 12 months in 1- and 2-year-old French and American medium toast oak barrels after 12 days of warm, temperature-controlled fermentation on the skins.TASTING NOTESThis wines deep dark red hue, and rich purple edge is followed by a plum, jammy aroma reminiscent of freshly ripened fruit. Its mild, smooth tannins showcase a bit of oak aging, balanced with complexity through the finish.PressUltimate Wine Challenge2011 Barrel Selected Royalty Red87POINTSVery Good, Strong Recommendation"Deep purple in color with a medium body, this wine is full of plummy and cooked berry fruit character. Non-aggressive tannins; a ripe and juicy sipper.