Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2009 Red Wine Meritaggio Estate wraps around the palate with juicy red berries, anise, flowers and sweet spices. There is an exuberance and sheer fleshiness in the 2009 that is impossible to resist. Sweet, floral notes add lift on the gorgeous finish. A lovely, feminine red from David Arthur meant to be enjoyed on the young side, this is pure harmony and balance. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2019.
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.