What We Say 2006 Homage Merlot - Dutch Henry Reserve
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Today’s delicious Merlot is only available in very limited locations. And, today’s special may be the one and only time to get your hands on some.
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Mission Codename: A Fitting Tribute
Operative: Agent White
Objective: Visit our friends at Huntington Wine Cellars and return with an exclusive allocation of winemaker Kerry Damskey’s Merlot tribute, Homage.
Mission Status: Accomplished!
Current Winery: Huntington Wine Cellars
Wine Subject: 2006 Homage Merlot – Dutch Henry Reserve
Backgrounder: Merlot, one of the primary grape varietals from Bordeaux finds an exceptional home in the Napa Valley. To true wine lovers, Merlot is one of the finest wine varietals in the world. Today, Merlot continues to sell in record numbers across the US, outpacing most other varietals. Merlot is a sincere, food-fabulous wine for serious wine drinkers. Today’s wine raises the bar for Napa Merlot, by delivering a delicious, complex, fruit-forward wine with plenty of complexity.
Winemaker: Kerry Damskey
Wine Spies Tasting Profile:
Look – Beautifully dark garnet with a dense and dark, but clear heart. Along the edges the color remains deep to the meniscus. When swirled, randomly and widely spaced fat, color-stained legs ring the glass.
Smell – Bold and redolent with abundant red and black fruit, including blackberry and raspberry jam, framed by classic Merlot bittersweet chocolate notes. Soft sweet and brown spice adds to the approachable and jammy fruit that greets your first sniff. The addition of soft toasted oak aromas and hints of savory herbs really round out the nose.
Feel – Rich and initially tangy, this dry and full-bodied wine has sturdy but finely grained tannins and vibrant acidity. A textured mineral component adds to the well structured mouthfeel of this wine.
Taste – Ripe and plump raspberry, blackberry, plum and other red and black fruit meld with rich dark and bittersweet chocolate. Sweet spice and brown spice create a homemade berry pie and jammy character that expands over the palate. Other complex flavors of toasted oak, soft earthy notes and cigar box adds complexity.
Finish – Very long with rich and ripe fruit that lasts and lasts. The fruit is framed by the other complex flavors, giving the wine a well-structured and pleasantly textured mouthfeel. As the fruit fades the texture lingers, drying the palate and inviting another sip.
Conclusion – The 2006 Huntington Wine Cellars Homage Merlot – Dutch Henry Reserve is simply a delicious wine with great varietal character, especially with the fruit and chocolate aromas and flavors. Its sturdy and textured mouthfeel will make this wine age well – and pair with food even better. Enjoy this wine tonight with grilled meat or burgers, or cellar for five plus years.
Mission Report:
Winemaker, Kerry Damskey was unavailble for an interview. Please be sure to tune back in, the next time we feature a another great wine by this prolific winemaker.
Wine Spies Vineyard Check:
The approximate location of Huntington Wine Cellars can be seen in this satellite photo.
What the Winery Says
Huntington Wine Cellars
About This Wine:
A classically crafted Merlot, this wine has a deep and rich aroma accented by bittersweet chocolate and slight hints of spice and tobacco. The first sip reveals a tremendous structure and complexity, with an interplay of plum, cocoa powder and vanilla. Strong tannins support the body of this wine, affirming its ability to age gracefully in the bottle.
Recommended Aging Potential: 5-7 years
Food Pairings & Recipe: Earthy, dark and this wine perfectly compliment mushroom risotto or dry-aged beef.
About The Winery:
Every child has a private collection of their early dreams, aspirations and family history. Winemaker Kerry Damskey created this wine in homage and farewell to his father, Ray. Homage is a personal thank you for the days in the vineyard and in the Gazebo, tasting the fruits of their labors. KERRY came into winemaking only as a result of a conspiratorial plot on the part of his father. Ray Damskey always secretly wished he himself had found the path to winemaking. While Kerry was busy digging in the dirt, his dad laid the groundwork to indoctrinate young Kerry from the very beginning. As the impressionable young man came of age, (dad) introduced him to good quality wines and plied him with legends of the vine. Blended from Kerry’s home ranch with a touch of Cabernet from the mountain wines he makes, the past and the future find perfect harmony in this offering. This wine is a toast to Kerry’s father and all the good things in life.
About The Winemaker:
Kerry Damskey, Winemaker – Kerry Damskey is an internationally known and highly acclaimed winemaker and wine business executive with over 25 years of industry expertise. Kerry graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Fermentation Sciences from the University of California, Davis; is a graduate of the Intensive Program for Small Business at the Stanford University School of Business; and is a candidate of the Institute of the Masters of Wine. Kerry is the founding winemaker of Huntington, having been personally involved with the brand since its launch in 1989. A close relationship between Kerry and President Bill Leigon has been fostered by their common values about wine. In addition to his duties with Huntington, Kerry is also the proprietor of ‘Terroirs’ an international wine consulting firm whose current clients include Flora Springs Winery, Maple Creek from Mendocino County, and Stuhlmuller Vineyards. Kerry’s deep passion and interest in wine has made him one of California’s top winemakers. Sales of Huntington wines benefit the Mugie Ranch Scholarship Fund.
Technical Analysis:
Appellation: Napa County
Alcohol: 14.5%
