2009 Smooth Napa Merlot

The Stags' Leap Napa Valley Merlot 2009 is what Winemaker Christophe Paubert describes as a "serious Merlot." With freshness and acidityunderscoring its cool climate origins, the wine combines delicious black cherry, cassis and licorice flavors with subtle notes of leather, pepper and cinnamon.

The color is a deep, rich ruby-garnet. With forward spicy sweet oak, there are layers of flavor composed of black cherry, raspberry, dark plum, dark chocolate and spices such as cinnamon, clove and vanilla. The entry and finish are very smooth with integrated fruit resembling black cherry and Santa Rosa plum. The velvety texture coupled with the richness of flavor ...

This 2009 Merlot displays ripe black cherry and plum compote aromas complemented by enticing tea-leaf, toasted vanilla and woodsy scents. Plush, rich and juicy on the palate, its densely concentrated black cherry, dark plum and pomegranate flavors are supported by fine-grained tannins and a long, sumptuous finish graced by savory spice and mocha tones. An irresistibly lush Merlot of great ...

This wine displays all of the benefits of slow, even ripening during a mild growing season. Though there is fullness and a lush character to this Merlot, there is also restraint and elegance. Promising aromas of cherry, red plum, raspberry, and dried herbs lead to a clean fresh entry with impeccably balanced acidity suporting intense red fruit flavors of cranberry, ...

The 2009 Hall Napa Valley Merlot is deep, dark ruby in hue. The wine is unabashed in its sensual richness, displaying aromas of raspberry reduction, chocolate, lavender and fresh fennel. Layers of sweet macerated black cherry and brown spice glide through the persistent finish. The 2009 Hall Napa Valley Merlot is crafted to be accessible and rewarding upon its release ...

Fragrant aromas of cherry, cassis and mocha immediately please the nose and intermingle effortlessly with raspberry and cranberry notes. Bold flavors of boysenberry, black pepper and rich chocolate fill out the palate and are complimented by silky tannins a long finish. The 2009 Reserve Selection Napa Valley Merlot is a versatile wine that will pair well with a variety of ...

The aromas, flavors and finish are all very generous in this elegant Merlot. Blackberry and cherry are at its core with pleasing hints of crushed violet and cedar. It is impeccably balanced, gaining complexity and spiciness from the Syrah and structure from Cabernet Sauvignon. Its finish is long with a lingering hint oftoasty oak.Blend: 80% Merlot, 15% Syrah, 5% Cabernet ...

The 2009 Swanson Oakville Merlot is the perfect reminder of why so many serious red wine drinkers like Merlot. Visually, aromatically, and on the palate, the wine is plush and generous. The color is dark garnet with a purple edge. The nose is captivating, with aromas of fresh, ripe black cherry, plum, raspberry, and well-integrated toasted oak. In the mouth, ...