Winemaker Notes
Seavey’s 2017 Merlot offers a perfumed nose of pomegranate, blueberry, licorice, and cinnamon undergirded by subtle savory notes some of which are intriguingly gamey. On the palate, the wine presents baked cherry fruit and a medley of cedar, tobacco, and sandalwood flavors. The wine is midweight with smooth rounded tannins and a velvety textured finish. Perfectly balanced to age for a decade or more, this seductive Merlot speaks to the historic power of our steep hillside vineyards to deliver an exemplary Merlot.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
A difficult vintage for Merlot, the 2017 Merlot nevertheless has pretty, perfumed notes of blueberries, bright cherries, leafy herbs, and sandalwood. Medium-bodied, elegant and nicely textured on the palate, it's a balanced, rock-solid Merlot to enjoy over the coming decade or more.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Aged 20 months in 38% new oak, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Merlot rolls effortlessly out of the glass with notions of baked red and black plums, mulberries and boysenberries with nuances of dried herbs, underbrush, vanilla pod and star anise. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers loads of juicy black fruits with a refreshing line and soft, rounded tannins, finishing with lovely purity.
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.