Winemaker Notes
The 2016 Merlot offers enticing aromas of plum, cherry pits, menthol, dried flowers, while subtle mesquite excites the senses. But it is the silky textural pleasure in the mouth that grabs your attention, offering a seamless transition from start to finish. There is enough acidity to suggest great food pairing and long-term aging potential, but it will be hard to wait on this beauty. Flavors include chocolate covered cherries and earthy spices; what sets this rich and full wine apart, though, is the smoothness with which it caresses all corners of your mouth. No doubt, this wine will provide years of drinking pleasure.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Juicy, savory, spicy and well integrated, this bold beauty offers so much of what the variety is while combining 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Petit Verdot. With a backbone of tannin and oak, it shines in lasting accents of clove, chocolate and red and black currant, rich and smooth.
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.