Winemaker Notes
Our Napa Valley Merlot is a complex blend of several individual vineyard lots, incorporating fruit from ourEstate Vineyards and from top independent growers throughout the Napa Valley. The final wine is a rich andcohesive expression of the entire Napa Valley, reflecting the varied microclimates and soils of this uniqueappellation.
The 2008 growing season has produced a particularly complex and complete expression of Napa ValleyMerlot, combining bright, lifted red fruit elements with darker, more extracted layers. This depth is on displayin the aromatics, where notes of Asian spice, red current, plum and blueberry crisp are supported by a subtlestreak of earthiness. The palate is both velvety and balanced, with flavors that echo the aromas. These flavorsare held together by granular tannins and accented by oak-inspired notes of molasses and nougat.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Shows the soft, mellow feeling a fine Merlot should possess, although it’s certainly tannic enough, in the Duckhorn style. However, the tannins are intricate and accessible, and frame lush cherry, red currant, licorice and cinnamon spice fl avors. Hard to resist now, and should hold over the next four years.
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.