Cycles Gladiator Merlot 2013

The nose is pretty complex with notes of black cherry, tea leaf, andcedar aromatics. Broad entry flavors of dark fruits, plums,blackberry, and cherry. The midpalate continues with cherryfollowed by dusty tannins from the Cabernet.

A firm thread ofacidity lifts the fruit and keeps it on the tongue well into thefinish. This is a very sturdy Merlot that would pair well withtraditional Cabernet dishes like steak, but also pairs well with a rich Italian tomato based pasta or meat dish.

Along the Sacramento River Delta sits the rich farmlands of the Lodi appellation and the new home to Cycles Gladiator Winery. A grape-growing region since the 1850’s, Lodi is now home to more than 80,000 acres of premium varietals and more than 50 wineries, and is quickly becoming recognized as one of California’s most exciting wine appellations. Noted for its classic Mediterranean climate and its deep, fertile sandy loam soils, it is the perfect environment for the production of world class wines. The high daytime temperatures are moderated by cooling Delta breezes which flow through the area in the evenings, creating ideal growing conditions.