Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Still quite firm and structured with tannins at age 10, this full-bodied wine shows density, concentration, good black fruit flavors and savory, sagey, woodsy accents. At a good point of maturity now for enjoying with lamb chops or a grilled steak. But no hurry.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: Stand up Merlot and show yourself! Over the course of the last three decades, Merlot has flourished in places beyond the Right Bank of Bordeaux. But many experts have found it difficult to describe the attributes of a New World Merlot. The 2014 Twomey by Silver Oak is excellent Merlot that underscores this issue. TASTING NOTES: The wine is showy with black fruit, boysenberries, and oak. Certainly not attributes one would use with Pomerol or Saint-Émilion, but perfectly happy in the Napa Valley. Pair its New World flavors with grilled tri-tip. (Tasted: May 11, 2018, 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.