Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
A classically made expression of the variety, with 16% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, this wine is soft and easygoing, rounded with a subtle grip of black plum, cherry and dark chocolate. Full bodied, it exhibits a tension of leather and black tea with dried herb on the finish, begging for pepper steak, the texture soft and silky. Drink now through 2020.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
A cut above most others in the marketplace, the well-made 2012 Twomey Merlot fits nicely in the space between being too light and too heavy. The wine offers red fruit and sweet oak flavors. (Tasted: February 3, 2017, San Francisco, 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.