Winemaker Notes
Napa Cellars Merlot boasts fruit aromas of Maraschino cherries, plum, and dark berries, layered with cedar, graphite, a hint of mocha and some earthy notes. This medium to full-bodied wine showcases dark fruit on the palate, including black plum and black cherry, along with chocolate, toffee, tobacco, leather and clove.
As Napa Valley’s third most planted grape, Napa Valley Merlot shows time and time again its potential to produce exceptional results. Napa’s vaunted combination of climate, soil and the human factor of winemaking expertise lead to big, ripe, cellar-worthy and world-class versions.
Whether made by itself in single varietal bottlings or as an important role in Bordeaux Blends, Merlot continues a prominent role in this famous region. While Cabernet typically takes the lead role, Merlot’s contribution—even at 10% to 20% or so—is significant indeed. Often described as “the flesh on Cabernet’s bones,” Merlot lends a soft, round and plush character that beautifully complements Cabernet’s linear, full-throttle structure. Its flavors of plums plus subtle herbs and mint also dovetail nicely with Cabernet’s blackberry and cassis.