Winemaker Notes
The dark red color of this beautiful 2016 Napa Valley Merlot hints at its subtle plum and creme de cassis, but belies its rich bright red fruit aromas of cherry and raspberry. The well balanced acidity and round tannins marry well with the light oak profile on the palate giving it a length and complexity worthy of its sustainably farmed mid-Valley roots.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Brawny, substantial and complex, this wine offers dusty dried herb, sage and mountain-like tannin, settling into a groove on the midpalate that finds balance and a lift of acidity. The oak is well integrated and nuanced in nutmeg and clove.
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Decanter
Kirsch liqueur, mint and vanilla, becoming more savoury in the glass with garrigue herb complexity. Lush, decadent, almost mushroomy aromas.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2016 Long Meadow Ranch Merlot shows excellent depth and attractive textures on the. TASTING NOTES: This wine fills the palate with flavors of black fruit, a touch of oak, and persistence. Enjoy it with Thai basil chicken. (Tasted: June 27, 2020, San Francisco, CA)
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.