Provenance Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot 2016
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James
Suckling -
Robert
Parker -
Wine
Enthusiast
Product Details
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Winemaker Notes
This Napa Valley Merlot opens with a bouquet of red and black berry fruit aromas. Not a wimpy Merlot, this wine is very expressive with tons of ripe black cherry, raspberry, cassis and bramble berry fruit layered with hints of cola, milk chocolate, graham cracker and sweet baking spice notes – all influences from the oak aging integrating perfectly with the varietal and terroir expression. The wine’s plushness invites you in to discover the rich, ripe berry fruit flavors that glide across the pleasing palate. Mouthwatering acidity gives length to the flavors and a nice lift that carries through on the finish, while supple tannins frame this generous Merlot and give it cellar worthiness and a beautiful structure.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A deep and highly structured Napa merlot that has a lot more to give than the majority of wines in this category. The very ripe cherry and red-plum aromas are neatly wrapped around the full, fine tannins and the delicate spicy notes add a lot of appeal.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Made up of 97% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Malbec aged for 21 months in 24% new oak (88% French and 12% Hungarian) the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Merlot opens with bags of plums, baked cherries and mulberries-inspired scents with touches of incense, Chinese five spice and dusty soil. Full-bodied with a chewy frame and compelling freshness, it finishes on an earthy note.
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Wine Enthusiast
Thick and herbal, this wine has an earthy entry of tight-grained tannin and black olive. Blended with tiny amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, it was barrel-aged for nearly two years in French and Hungarian oak and is robustly ripe and concentrated in lush red fruit.
Other Vintages
2019-
James
Suckling
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James
Suckling
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James
Suckling
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Wine
Spectator
Over the years, the brand has passed through the hands of two corporate owners. And in November 2021, the Allen Lombardi family acquired Provenance Vineyards. Attracted to its rich history, timeless style and strong growth potential, the Lombardis are committed to building the next chapter of the brand – increasing domestic distribution (and expanding globally) in fine wine shops and restaurants. The goal is make Provenance Vineyards wine more accessible to Napa wine lovers throughout the world.
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.