2007 JM Cellars "Longevity" Red Wine

 

 Our first vintage of Longevity was made with fruit harvested in 2005.  I fermented the 2005 vintage using wild yeasts present on the grapes and in the winery (referred to as "native fermentation").  Additionally, this is when I initiated the use of the French oak fermentation tanks.

The delicious Stillwater Creek fruit and the particular fermentation techniques we employed resulted in a wine our customers continually requested.  While I did not make a 2006 vintage of Longevity, our 2007 is made with the same techniques and features the same merlot from Stillwater Creek Vineyard that made the 2005 a fan favorite.  The name Longevity is trademarked to JM Cellars and I love every connotation it evokes; length of finish, length of age-ability, and length of "the good life".  My friend Curt O'Connor came up with the name; thank you Curt!

Our 2007 Longevity is crafted in the tradition of a "Right Bank" Bordeaux blend made with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Carmenère  (the original six Bordeaux varieties).  Three award-winning vineyards are showcased in this wine; Stillwater Creek, Seven Hills and Ciel du Cheval. The wine was aged in 75% new French oak for 21 months.  The predominance of French oak adds a beautiful dimension to this wine..  The 2007 Longevity will easily age for 10+ years.  (Great now too! Peggy and I enjoyed it last night with dinner...)