Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This is a superb merlot with black olive, blueberry, iodine, and oyster shell. Full body, tight tannins. Chocolate, walnut, and bramble berry. Superb finish. A beauty. Try now but give it four to five years of bottle age. Decant before serving now.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 100% Merlot cuvee, the 2012 Roberta's Reserve State Lane Vineyard is, once again, flirting with perfection. A stunning nose of chocolate fudge intermixed with coffee bean, black cherry and blackcurrant fruit is intense, and followed by a full-bodied, gorgeously textured, opulent style of wine with stunning richness and purity. This is a brilliant wine and only represents 12% of the production, as only 300 cases were produced. It should drink well for 20-25 years.
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Wine Spectator
A distinctive Merlot that combines muscle with richness. Bold aromas of red currant and tomato leaf lead to rich, complex flavors of cherry, olive and dark Asian spice. The tannins are big but fleshy. Merlot. Drink now through 2023. 200 cases made.
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.