Winemaker Notes
The 2005 Merlot has a deep purple center that graduates to a garnet hue along the perimeter. Black fruit, black olives, dried herbs and cassis characterize the nose. In the mouth, the wine delivers bold flavors of spice, licorice, blackberry and dark plum, with soft tannins and a long, lingering finish. This is a full bodied Merlot made in the classic Clos Du Val style of balance, elegance and complexity.
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.