Winemaker Notes
Paul Hobbs Michael Black Vineyard Merlot typically offers enticing aromas of dried herb, black cherry, and sweet vanilla. Ripe, rich mouth-filling flavors of blackberry and truffle. The stylish, sweet fruit flavors are broad across the mid-palate, with a firm tannic backbone. This is an elegant wine that will continue to unfold its charms for several years to come.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2002 Merlot Michael Black Vineyard has a saturated bluish/black color and a big, sweet nose of espresso roast, blackberries, cherries, and smoke. It is long, opulent, with amazing concentration, a huge mid-palate, and a blockbuster finish.
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Wine Spectator
An awesome Merlot. Ripe, rich, generous style, with layers of fleshy currant, wild berry and blackberry fruit, shaded by cedary oak, sage and subtle herbal notes. The flavors pick up momentum and fan out on the finish, revealing extra dimensions of flavor and depth.
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.