Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Connoisseurs' Guide
Here is a Merlot whose mass and muscle all but scream out for long aging. It is intense in aroma and generous in flavor with character that ranges from highly ripened cherries and tea leaf to large doses of creamy oak tasting of cappuccino and crème brulee. It all but parallels what one might expect of a Cabernet Sauvignon at the same price, yet this is not Cabernet and the wine's aging curve is likely to be a touch shorter. A fine and deep wine to be sure, it is made in a style that is meant to be taken seriously by collectors.
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Wine Enthusiast
A success despite a certain leanness, a young wine in need of mid-term cellaring. Notes of of green olives, bacon, unsweetened dark chocolate, and boysenberries are wrapped in sumptuous, lush tannins that melt on the palate. This bone dry wine needs rich meats.
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.