Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Firm, rich and chewy, with a complex, mature range of Merlot flavors, it's built like a sturdy Cabernet. Hints of dried currant, anise, cedar and stewed plum end with a taste of fresh earth, and while the wine is concentrated and tannic, the tannins smooth out on the finish.
For more than 30 years, Lewis Cellars has handcrafted wines that epitomize the intense flavors and bold character of the world-renowned Napa Valley. Opulent, voluptuous, and unapologetically provocative, their wines are for the true connoisseur who isn't afraid to go big. Guided by a meticulous, hands-on approach, Lewis has perfected the art of sensory winemaking, ensuring each bottle is both distinctive and unforgettable. To taste a Lewis Cellars wine is to immerse yourself in a multi-sensory experience—where sight, aroma, flavor, and finish intertwine in a seamless dance of complexity and intrigue, compelling you to take another sip. With a legacy built on excellence, Lewis Cellars has earned its place among Napa's finest, with – as Wine Spectator notes – "a record of excellence that few California wineries can rival."
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.