Winemaker Notes
Intriguing nuances of dark chocolate and dried Marasca cherries layer the ripe plum and blackberry notes of the Napa Valley Merlot. As you swirl the wine, you’ll also discover hints of black mission fig and licorice. On the palate, the textured flavors are plush and graceful, yet with ample structure. A year of aging in oak barrels sourced from three different counties added hints of sweet oak spices and espresso.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Demure plummy red fruit is wrapped in thick, concentrated layers of body and ripeness in this well-made, approachable wine, which is richly seasoned in toasted oak-influenced baking spice and vanilla.
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.