Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
A fine Merlot from a winery with a very long track record of success with this difficult variety. The wine is rich and almost sweet in blackberries and cherries, yet it finishes dry in a flourish of smooth tannins. Drink now.
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Wine Spectator
Offers good focus and structure, with black cherry and toasty oak aromas leading to plum, dried herb and spice notes. Drink now through 2015. 34,929 cases made.
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.