Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Aromas and flavors of blackberries, walnuts and blueberries. Medium to full body. Polished and juicy tannins. Shows focus and brilliance. 88% merlot, 9% cabernet sauvignon and 3% malbec. Drink or hold.
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Wine Enthusiast
Blended with 9% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Malbec, this is hearty fare, a deeply concentrated wine rich in dark plum, black currant and coffee. With generous tannins in support, it takes on complex seasonings of flint, tobacco and cedar, working well against the dense fruit.
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Wine Spectator
Lots of toasty notes to the dark cherry and red currant flavors that are supported by vibrant acidity. Robust tannins but balanced on the finish, with luscious spice and chocolate mousse accents. Drink now through 2024.
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.