Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
One of the finest Merlots being made in Napa is the 2007 Merlot (87% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Sauvignon). It has evolved gorgeously since tasted from barrel last year. This sumptuous wine offers beautiful melted chocolate, cocoa, and espresso notes intermixed with black cherry, plum, fig, and blackberry fruit. This opulent, full-bodied, sexy, prodigious California Merlot should give Kapcsandy’s Roberta’s Reserve a run for its money over the next 15-20 years
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Wine Spectator
A dense, powerful core is wrapped inside a plush and velvety exterior, with currant and espresso aromas. Delivers layered flavors of plum, grilled rosemary and cedar, finishing with firm but ripe tannins. Best from 2011 through 2015.
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.