Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Rich and well-structured flavors of dark plum and cherry tart are backed by fresh acidity. Dark chocolate and wild spice notes come in on the ripe finish.
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James Suckling
Ripe plums, chocolate and orange-peel with some savory, black-olive and root-vegetable notes. It’s medium-bodied with firm, powdery tannins and fresh acidity. Flavorful with bitter cocoa on the finish.
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2018 Merlot (there's a splash of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon) has a lively, attractive nose of ripe blue and black fruits as well as plenty of chocolate and leafy herb-like nuances. Medium to full-bodied, nicely textured, and balanced, this is a rock-solid, undeniably delicious Merlot that's going to drink well for 5-7 years or so.
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.