Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
No one will be disappointed in the sumptuous 2012 Merlot Peterson Family Vineyard. Its dense purple color is followed by aromas of chocolate, blackcurrants and black cherries. This luscious, full, pedal-to-the-medal 2012 is a seamless, sensational Merlot that is about as good as this varietal can be in Napa Valley. Drink it over the next decade or more.
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Wine Spectator
Plush and rich, with a sleek core of tannins and acidity. Aromas of floral red currant and tomato lead to focused flavors of cherry, toffee and cedar. Tannins sneak in on the finish.
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James Suckling
A big and rich red with soft and velvety tannins. Up front fruit of plum with hints of jam.
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.