Winemaker Notes
Our 2004 Napa Valley Merlot is now full and luscious, in a sense the most classic style for Napa Valley. This wine is destined to be a crowd-pleaser, offering a juicy, rich mouth-feel and varietally true black fruits. Yet the tannins are round and mouth filling, so the resulting wine on the palate is still balanced. It answers firmly that a rich wine can be complex, nuanced and elegant.
"The 2004 Merlot Carneros (which includes small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc) exhibits more depth and concentration. Its bouquet reveals aromas of chocolate, coffee beans, black currants, and sweet cherries. With excellent texture and medium to full body, it should keep for 7-8 years." 88 Points
Wine Advocate
December 2007
Professional Ratings
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.