Winemaker Notes
The 2019 Napa Valley Merlot has expressive aromas of baked cherry and blueberry followed by lovely hints of ground coffee, cream soda, and charred rosemary. This medium-bodied wine delights with flavors of baked cherry, cola, and brown sugar accented with hints of cinnamon and toasted caramel across the long soft finish.
Blend: 90% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Currants and berries with some pine-bark undertones. Violets and earth, too. Medium to full body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. Merlot character. Really delicious now, but can age.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2019 Charles Krug Merlot is ripe, smooth, and pleasing on the palate. TASTING NOTES: This wine offers aromas and flavors of red and black fruits as well as hints of oak. Enjoy it with a well-seasoned, oven-roasted Porchetta. (Tasted: February 3, 2022, San February, CA)
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.