Winemaker Notes
The 2004 Merlot is rich purple, reflecting the vintage, and offers lush, focused flavors andaromas of bright cherries, strawberry, red and black plums, and cranberry. The CabernetSauvignon gives the wine added strength, firm tannins, and age-ability. Cabernet Francbrings in lovely fragrance with a hint of violets.
Flatter this Merlot's fruit by adding a similar element of fruit to poultry, pork and meat dishes (duckbreast with dried cherry-Merlot sauce, roast chicken with cranberry-wild rice stuffing).Carmelized onions, roasted garlic and mushrooms are also pleasant companions.
Professional Ratings
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.