Winemaker Notes
Upon opening you are washed away with aromas of wild blackberry, with some plum and cassis. There is a classic Farella savoriness, earth and spice that will develop and become more prominent with age. The finish is smooth and balanced and we are absolutely stunned by this vintage. While this wine is tightly knit upon release, it is excellently structured for aging and will mature into a beautiful, medium bodied classic.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Fresh with lots of polished and chewy tannins that give the wine focus and texture. Berry, chocolate and spice character. Medium to full body. Flavorful finish. Drink or hold.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Sporting a medium to deep garnet color, the 2016 Merlot charges out of the glass with notions of plum pudding, blueberry pie and fruitcake plus hints of tobacco leaf, bay leaves and tilled soil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers evolving black fruit preserves flavors with loads of savory accents and a frame of rounded tannins, finishing earthy/savory.
With generous fruit and supple tannins, Merlot is made in a range of styles from everyday-drinking to world-renowned and age-worthy. Merlot is the dominant variety in the wines from Bordeaux’s Right Bank regions of St. Emilion and Pomerol, where it is often blended with Cabernet Franc to spectacular result. Merlot also frequently shines on its own, particularly in California’s Napa Valley. Somm Secret—As much as Miles derided the variety in the 2004 film, Sideways, his prized 1961 Château Cheval Blanc is actually a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
Situated in the southeastern corner of Napa Valley in the Vaca range, the vineyards of the Coombsville AVA enjoy a long growing season mitigated by cool, San Pablo Bay fog.