Rombauer Merlot 2015
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Wilfred
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: Top Napa Valley Merlots are sometimes hard to locate. Oft times wineries make the wines too much like Cabernet Sauvignon resulting in strong tannin structures. The 2014 Rombauer Vineyards stays away from that trap and has, once again, produced a solid example of this grape variety. TASTING NOTES: This wine is bright and crisp with pretty red and black fruit aromas and flavors. Its subtle oak backdrop should pair it nicely with a grilled flank steak. (Tasted: March 22, 2018, San Francisco, CA)
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Wine Spectator
Finely chiseled flavors of red currant, plum and dark cherry are matched to notes of cedar and sandalwood. Offers hints of dried green herbs and beef on the finish.
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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.