Winemaker Notes
#25 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2024
Deep ruby red with aromas of forest fruits such as blackberry, raspberry and cranberry that dominate delicate cocoa and cedar. On the palate, bright red fruits like raspberry and cranberry give length and structure to help elevate layers of cedar, clover and cocoa that are so gracefully interwoven throughout.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Supple and sleek, with elegantly layered red currant, toasty mocha and tarragon flavors that glide on a long finish. Drink now through 2031.
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James Suckling
Ripe blackberries, plum skins, sandalwood, anisette and hints of chocolate on the nose. Spicy and racy on the palate with medium to full body and polished tannins. Vivid red and dark fruit and a lingering, steady finish.
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.