Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Connoisseurs' Guide
Traveling a more conventional varietal path than its very well-made but more tightly wound sibling hailing from Howell Mountain, this plush, downright opulent Merlot simply oozes with juicy, optimally ripened black cherry fruit, and its very generous appointment of sweet oak in no way distracts from its grape-driven main message. It is blessed with far more than just another showy display of ripeness and oak, and it is surprisingly well-balanced beneath its baby fat with the structure to hold up and improve for many 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.