Switchback Ridge Peterson Family Vineyard Merlot 2011

Merlot from Napa Valley, California

WS90

750ML / 14.5% ABV

Other Vintages

2012

RP95
WS92
JS90

2009

WS94

2003

RP91

2002

RP92
WS91

2000

WS92
WE92

All Vintages

Out of Stock (was $62.99)

Limit Reached

MyWine Share

Vintage Alert

Ships Wed, Apr 5

Limit 0 per customer

Sold in increments of 0

0.0 0 Ratings

Have you tried this? Rate it now

(256 characters remaining)

0.0 0 Ratings

750ML / 14.5% ABV

Winemaker Notes

A rich and layered Merlot with gorgeous Asian spice aromas that lead to lush, ripe flavors of bing cherries, black cassis and a hint of mocha. Full, sweet fruit on the mid-palate is framed by soft, silky tannins, resolving in a long, lingering finish.

Critical Acclaim

All Vintages

WS 90

Wine Spectator

(14.5% alcohol; blended with 18% cabernet sauvignon and 2% petite sirah; this fruit was picked at 26 degrees Brix, six days earlier than in 2010, on September 30 and October 1): Bright red. Vibrant aromas of cassis, blackberry and licorice. Silky and juicy, with briary dark berry and bitter chocolate flavors framed and lifted by nicely integrated acidity. Finishes with serious oak tannins and excellent length. Offers a lovely balance of ripeness and freshness.

Switchback Ridge

View all products

Switchback Ridge Wines are sourced exclusively from the Peterson Family Vineyard in Calistoga. The property has been in the Peterson family since 1914 and encompasses nearly 100 acres located at the mouth of Dutch Henry Canyon. For over 75 years, the property was primarily maintained as a farm and plum orchard, with vines intermingled amongst the trees. In 1990, the orchards were replanted to vineyard, where there are currently 18 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah vines, in addition to a three acre 50+ year old Petite Sirah block that John Peterson helped plant as a child.

Napa Valley Merlot

View all products

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.

View all products

PGE161007_2011 Item# 161007