Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The Merlot should convert all the doubters of this varietal in Napa Valley, as it is consistently one of the top two or three Merlots made in California. At ten years of age, the 2001 confirms what an extraordinary Merlot producer he is. It transcends the category and puts to shame most of the Merlots that emerge from the Golden State. A dense plum/purple color is accompanied by a beautifully sweet nose of melted chocolate, creme de cassis, cherry pie, earth and spice. It possesses a voluptuous texture, brilliant purity and equilibrium, and a chewy, succulent finish.
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Wine Spectator
A magnificent wine, deliciously rich and concentrated, with layers of complex black cherry, berry, currant, herb, mocha and spice, with pretty oak shadings and a smooth, supple texture and remarkably elegant lift on the finish.
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.