Winemaker Notes
A medium ruby in color, the wine opens to lush red currant, blackberry and black cherry aromas, with hints of pepper and black olive evident as well. On the palate, these same flavors mingle with clove and spice, finishing with notes of cranberry and pastry crust. A long, lingering finish makes this very attractive for youthful consumption.
As with any classic Merlot, thanks to the integrated tannins, this wine can be enjoyed now or cellared for 5 years. Lovely on its own, it pairs beautifully with veal roast, coq au vin and subtle, hard cheeses.
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.