2005
Bonterra
MendocinoCounty
Merlot
$19.95
CSPC# 984724
(
March 1, 2008 Vintages Release
NOTE: Organically produced (Yes) ; Suitable for vegetarians (Yes)
Awards
Bronze – 2007 San Francisco International Wine Competition
San Francisco Wine Competition (US)
“A very fine effort, the nicely ripened, beautifully balance, pure tasting ‘05 Bonterra Merlot exemplifies quality from organically grown grapes.”
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Waitrose (UK)
“This Merlot has a rich, full, plum and spice nose, with beautiful silky-textured wood tannins adding to the harmony, complexity and depth of the lasting finish.”
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Planet of Wine (US)
“Bonterra is not only a very high quality wine, it is also certified organic. Unlike so many organic wines that do not live up to the quality standard, Bonterra is super high quality producing world class wine. I would also like to note outside of the traditional Cabernet, Merlot and Chardonnay they are making exceptional Syrah and Viognier.
Dense mountain fruit brings hints of cedar spice on the nose with faint notes of wintergreen, cassis and bright Bing cherries. Savor the wine as you enjoy soft, yet defining tannins with good structure and integration, with unique cranberry/cherry flavors layered with vanilla spice, toasty oak and a near velvet finish.”
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Background
“Robert Blue Winemaker
When we set out to make a wine of distinction, we had to make the right choices. For Bonterra, that meant the choice to use organically grown grapes¨U§Ø because we have learned through experience that only organically grown grapes can express the purity and intensity of varietal character that a truly great wine requires. Bonterra grapes offer a quality of fruit and vibrancy of taste that’s unparalleled in the world of ordinary wines. MendocinoCounty evokes many images ¨U§Ý pure, natural, rugged and unspoiled. There is a serene beauty to Mendocino that is unmatched anywhere in California wine country.
The certified organic Bonterra Ranch, in the RussianRiver benchlands of Mendocino, is perhaps the finest expression of our philosophy that respect for the land will result in exceptional wines. Not surprisingly, it is also one of the premier examples of organic viticulture in the world.
Bonterra is committed to creating world-class wines that are a direct reflection of the organic vineyards in which they grow. Each varietal is a unique, individual expression of organically grown fruit and the winemaker’s art.
Ultimately, Bonterra’s philosophy must be measured by the results¨U§Øthe quality of our wines. Growing acclaim from wine writers and connoisseurs tells us that our commitment has been recognized and rewarded.
Organic Grape Farming
Bonterra’s commitment to organic vineyard management is based on farming fundamentals: building organic matter in the soil with cover crops, welcoming the natural predators of vineyard pests, controlling weeds by physical means, and encouraging natural air flow around the fruit. Most importantly, we constantly expand our use of organic viticulture techniques. Different philosophies abound when it comes to organic farming. At Bonterra, we’ve developed our own philosophy based on what we know works. Here you can discover what comprises this philosophy. You will also find information on the specific “elements” of our organic viticulture program.
The principal guidelines for organic production are to use materials and practices that enhance the ecological balance of natural systems and that integrate the parts of the farming system into an ecological whole. The primary goal of organic agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals and people.
BIODYNAMIC FARMING
A farming process guided by natural cycles and based upon diversity which requires both plants and animals for success. This approach was developed in the 1920s, and has been used to create many of the world’s outstanding wines.
ORGANICALLY GROWN
Grapes produced without the use of any artificial fertilizers or synthetic chemicals. We build a living soil that encourages natural pest/predator balance and stimulates healthy plant growth.”
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