Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A firm, linear red with blackberry, cherry and dark-chocolate aromas and flavors that follow through to a medium body. Fresh finish.
Perched high on a scenic hilltop, Rutherford Hill Winery overlooks the famed Rutherford Bench, drawing from Napa Valley's finest vineyards to craft exceptional wines. Established in 1972, the winery's founders recognized the valley's unique similarity to Pomerol, pioneering Merlot as Napa's signature variety. Since acquiring the winery in 1996, the Terlato family has carried forward a legacy of vision, high quality, and excellence. Under talented new winemaking leadership, they’ve gained exciting critical acclaim for elevating the offerings by adopting cutting-edge techniques, including selecting meticulously curated parcels of fruit and employing a refined French oak barrel regimen to elevate the quality of every bottle.
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.