Winemaker Notes
Sourced from a prestigious vineyard in the mountains of Napa Valley, this 100% Malbec is a strong expression of the varietal, and showcases how well it thrives in this climate.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
The nose here is fairly opulent with notes of sweet plums, creme de cassis, lots of vanilla, coconut oil and bark. As for the palate, it delivers a wealth of ripe blackberries, a fine line of acidity and a fruit-forward finish. This rich style hangs in there all thanks to some muscular tannins giving it form. Drink in 2021.
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Wine Enthusiast
A 100% varietal wine that celebrates its strength and softness in equal measure, this wine delights in crayon wax, dried herb and red currant, the initial elements complemented in black plum, clove and cedar. Savory and tannic, it shows a balanced approach to its full-bodied ripeness on the lasting 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.