Winemaker Notes
Our Vintage 1999 Estate Grown Merlot displays intense aromatics of blueberries, red berries, black fruits, and roasted nuts along with toasted oak. Medium to full-bodied, it shows a luxurious richness of sweet fruit flavors with moderate tannin levels. The bright fruit is accompanied by a suppleness that shows in the mouth-feel of the final wine. Although ready to drink today our Merlots are well structured and age well.
Professional Ratings
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.