Winemaker Notes
Markham's Estate Vineyards provide a third of the fruit for this velvety Napa Valley Merlot. Ripe plum and cherry jam flavors are balanced by spicy oak and lively acidity for which the vintage is known.
Blend: 95% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Malbec
Professional Ratings
-
Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
The Markham Vineyards Merlot has remained a benchmark for quality through the years. The 2022 vintage opens with fragrant spices and subtle blackberry aromas. On the palate, it delivers ripe berries and delicate sandalwood accents, making it an ideal match for a lightly seasoned, oven-roasted Porchetta. (Tasted: June 18, 2025, San Francisco, CA)
-
James Suckling
Attractive mix of ripe dark berries, sweet spices, dried herbs and walnuts, with chocolatey undertones. Medium- to full-bodied, mellow and supple, with a spiced and fruity, slightly fluid finish.
-
Wine Spectator
Tightly focused and trim, with handsome accents of red currant, cedar and bay leaf that finish with fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2031. 18,500 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.