Winemaker Notes
The growing season started early. Often, early budbreak and flowering indicated an early harvest. This was not the case in this vintage. The growing season was mild and then harvest presented a bit of a roller coaster ride with a potpourri of weather instead of the normal burst of late warm ripening weather. Winemaker Ken Deis has declared this "Merlot Year" and we are delighted with the results.
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.