Winemaker Notes
Purple plum jam and blackberry are prominent on the nose, with hints of black pepper, vanilla wafer cookie, and earthy coffee bean. On the palate, sweet fruit notes of plum with touches of blueberry and dark chocolate, as well as velvety tannins and a beautiful salinity that begs you to take another sip.
Blend: 97% Merlot, 1.5% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 0.5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2018 Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is nicely layered and elevated on the palate. TASTING NOTES: This wine offers aromas and flavors of dried leaves, dried currants, and earthy notes. Enjoy it with a well-seasoned Porchetta. (Tasted: September 1, 2021, San Francisco, CA)
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.