Winemaker Notes
Crimson red. Intense aromas of dark fruit (black currant, blackberries, & blueberries) layered with notes of cassis with hints of savory herbs, anise, and spice. Intricately and intense flavors of dark cherry and pomegranate, with a thread of baking spices. Full bodied and round with a lush texture and rich tannins.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Rutherford Hill 2015 Merlot (Napa Valley). Blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, this Merlot is a tannin and powerful wine. It offers earthy flavors of leather and oak around a rich and decadent core of dark plum.
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.