Winemaker Notes
Aromatics of rhubarb pie and toasted paprika. Bright acidity and medium-bodied. A sweet and savory mix of tart cherries, red berries, clove and black pepper spices, with a long, streamlined finish.
Professional Ratings
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Tasting Panel
A cool climate and gravelly soils lend character to this ripe Merlot from an estate vineyard named for an ancient volcano. Aromas of rhubarb, slate, and lavender are kind and pleasing on the nose. Bright acidity and vibrant black cherry weave through bittersweet dark chocolate on the mid-palate before giving way to black pepper, soy sauce, thyme, and a satin carpet of berries on the finish. Aged 17 months in predominantly French oak with a small percentage of Hungarian oak.
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Wine Enthusiast
Sharp red currant, plum and cherry tones wrap around a firm texture in this well-structured wine. Rich and full in feel, it delivers softness and touches of clove and black pepper on the long finish.
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Wine & Spirits
Merlot thrives in the cool benchlands of Coombsville, tucked against the hills just east of the town of Napa. Silverado’s estate vineyard consistently produces a quietly rich merlot, this vintage lasting on dark rose scents; its gentle tannins bring bass notes of chocolate bitterness to ground the fragrant fruit. Decant this wine for roast quail.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2016 Silverado Vineyards Mt George Merlot shows excellent depth without going over-the-top and dominating the palate. TASTING NOTES: This wine offers fresh, red fruit aromas and flavors. Enjoy its vibrant style with lightly-seasoned, grilled pork chops. (Tasted: February 21, 2020, St. Helena, CA)
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.