Winemaker Notes
Merryvale Merlot offers traditional aromas of mocha, spice, blackberries and flowers. A soft texture, fresh mid-palate, and flavors of sage, black currant, pepper, anise, strawberries lead to a soft, gentle finish.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Inviting plum, rose, nutmeg and red-cherry aromas. Medium-to full-bodied with soft, silky tannins. Bright, with a solid core of red fruit and berries. Long and nicely balanced.
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Wine Enthusiast
This deep and structured wine is worth keeping while it develops more complexity over time. Wellconcentrated black cherry and blueberry flavors are shaded by subtle dark chocolate and mint accents, and fine-grained tannins give an appetizing grip to the texture.
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Wine Spectator
Generous and snappy with acidity, this red has red plum, black olive and bitter chocolate flavors that build toward a ripe, zesty finish.
Merryvale Vineyards is a family-owned Napa Valley winery dedicated to passionate winemaking and the fine art of living well. For the past 25 years Merryvale has been turning exceptional Napa Valley grapes into world class wine. Merryvale is world renowned for rich, powerful Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, the iconic Bordeaux-style red blend, Profile, and our everyday drinking, fruit driven brand, Starmont. Merryvale's historic building was the first winery built in the Napa Valley after the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, and has become a must see attraction for visitors to the valley.
Merryvale is committed to protecting and preserving the environment through conservation, renewable energy and sustainable farming practices at our three estate vineyards. Merryvale has received Napa Green Vineyard, Napa Green Winery and Bay Area Green Business certifications.
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.