Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A chewy merlot with lots of ripe tannins and plenty of berry and hazelnut character. Full and rich but not overdone.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2015 Merlot, which is in bottle, has a slightly denser ruby/purple color, far more appeal, with deeper, richer, sweeter fruit, a lot more sucrosity, plenty of black cherry and blackcurrant fruit, a hint of white chocolate and a heady finish. Both of these are 100% Merlot, but the 2015 is head and shoulders above the 2014.
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.