Winemaker Notes
This wine is dark garnet in color and offers alluring aromas of star anise, clove, and sweet tobacco. Notes of cherry, cranberry, and cola are echoed on the palate where underlying acidity and structured tannins promise a long life in the cellar. This wine can be enjoyed with a varitey of foods such as roasted lamb, pot roast, blue cheese, and wild mushroom risotto.
Blend: 76% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot
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.