Winemaker Notes
A powerhouse vintage, the 2021 Blueline Estate Merlot is intense, dark and brooding. Aromas of ripe dark plum and red cherry intertwine with savory notes of black olive tapenade, hoisin, mandarin orange peel and leafy herbs. The fruit deepens and intensifies through the mid-palate, finishing with darker notes of black sour cherry and crème de cassis. Seamless from start to finish, the expansive, weighted, and rich texture counters with natural acidity, supple tannins, and Blueline’s vibrant minerality.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Another beautiful wine as well as a smoking value, the 2021 Merlot Blueline Estate (75% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, and tiny amounts of Petit Verdot and Malbec) has lots of up-front plum and black cherry fruits supported by lead pencil, chocolate, and savory herb aromas and flavors. It's medium to full-bodied, has a ripe, supple mouthfeel, good mid-palate depth, and outstanding length. 800 cases.
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.