Winemaker Notes
Cocktail cherries and sweet spice, with notes of savory bread, newly oiled leather and pronounced French oak on the nose. Smooth upon entry, with a richness that builds. Flavors of cherry, spice and savory bread carry over from the nose, with lush plums and a hint of jerky. Dusty, powdery tannins lend softness. French oak character comes through on the nose, palate and lingering finish.
Professional Ratings
-
Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
The 2021 Emmolo Merlot offers a bounty of ripe fruits balanced with toasty oak. This wine offers aromas and flavors of dried leaves, rustic spices, and ripe cherries. Pair this wine with grilled pork kebabs. (Tasted: July 26, 2024, San Francisco, CA)
-
Wine Spectator
Lithe and sleek up front, revealing black cherry, spiced cinnamon and tomato leaf flavors, underlined by an increasingly tense structure as this approaches broad-shouldered tannins. Drink now through 2029. 22,900 cases made.
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.