Winemaker Notes
Blend: 98% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Most of the Merlot at Blueline is about 30 years old, planted to Clone 341. The 2022 Merlot Blueline Estate features copious amounts of black cherry fruit that's ripe and supple. There's not that much complexity this vintage, but some nice cedar shavings and earthy overtones are woven into this full-bodied effort. Soft tannins and a long, plush finish make this wine easy to enjoy.
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Vinous
The 2022 Merlot Blueline Estate is a very pretty wine. Dark red-toned fruit, spice, rose petal, cedar and leather all meld together in the glass. All of this fruit was picked pre-heat, which yielded a translucent, mid-weight Merlot with lovely energy and tons of class. This is beautifully done.
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.