Winemaker Notes
Blend: 87% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Composed of 88% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec, the 2012 Merlot appears to be another sensational offering from Doug and John Shafer and their longtime assistant, Elias Fernandez. The sweetness of the tannins, the sucrosity of the fruit and the wine-s richness and expansiveness suggest another great vintage in Napa Valley. This is a sensational Merlot.
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Wine Spectator
Sleek and supple, this is exactly the style of Merlot that made the wine so popular. Floral red currant and cinnamon spice aromas lead to rich, ripe flavors of black cherry and toasty oak, with a hint of earth. Drink now through 2020. 8,000 cases made.
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.