Winemaker Notes
Crafted from unique lots sourced from sub-AVAs across Napa Valley. The wine is velvet on the palate, with rich aromas of fresh blackberry and bright cherry, complemented by concentrated briary berry compote and allspice flavors. Juicy with a solid chewy tannin structure.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Ripe plums, coffee beans, toasted cedar and hints of spice box on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied, mellow and lightly fluid at the end with ripe dark and blue fruit character.
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Wine Spectator
Supple and user-friendly, with lively flavors of red currant and toasty spices that glide on the zesty finish. Drink now through 2030. 6,000 cases made.
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.