Winemaker Notes
The 2016 Estate Merlot opens with a holiday spice aroma that layers over a hint of menthol. Flavors of red cherry, graham cracker and candied fruit dance on the palate with a silky, smooth mouthfeel. The wine’s solid tannin structure melts away slowly leaving a refreshing fruit fi nish.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Reductive in tar, oak and thick concentrated flavor, this estate wine is spicy and darkly brooding in black cherry and plum. Sage and cedar nip around the edges of fruit and powerful ripeness.
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Wine Spectator
Offers a plush texture, with concentrated Asian spice and dark chocolate notes to the dark plum and cherry flavors. The creamy finish features coca powder accents. Drink now through 2023.
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.