Winemaker Notes
This 2023 Merlot is bursting out of the glass and showing up with notes of black cherries, red plums, mixed berry pie, milk chocolate and layers of spice box. The palate showcases rich, juicy tannins alongside fresh raspberries, strawberry jam, chocolate covered cherries, croissant and toasted walnuts. It is supple in texture and shows attractive depth on the finish. Enjoy right now or up to 10-15 years with proper cellaring.
Blend: 86% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
The Napa Valley Merlot comes from the Whitehall Lane estate vineyards and was fermented and aged in barrel for 20 months. The majority of the cooperage is 30–36-month seasoned French oak, with the final blend incorporating 35% new French oak. The composition is 86% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc. The finished wine is unfined, unfiltered, vegan, and gluten-free. Exceptionally perfumed and enticing in 2023, it shows a dusty mineral character alongside cocoa powder nuances. There is a real vibrancy to the wine in this vintage, driven by a core of mixed berry fruit, warm Asian spices, and a pop of red liquorice. Delicate tannins knit together a solid foundation, yet the overall impression is one of juiciness, freshness, and sheer drinkability. At this price point, it stands out as one of the best-value Merlots from the heart of Napa Valley.
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James Suckling
Generous aromas of plums, blueberries, cedar, tobacco leaves and dried herbs. The medium-bodied palate shows finely integrated tannins and bright acidity with underlying notes of blackcurrants, bitter chocolate and cedar. Nicely balanced and textural. Drink or hold.
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Wine Enthusiast
The nose of this Merlot pops with aromas of roasted cherry, milk chocolate, and fresh green herbs. The palate balances velvety tannins and juicy acid with flavors of mixed berry coulis, raspberry liqueur, freshly cut cedar, cinnamon, and mint throughout a plushly structured finish.
Whitehall Lane Winery was founded in 1979, but the history of the soil cultivation dates back two centuries. In the mid 1800's, Napa Valley settlers were drawn to the gravelly-loam soils and ideal climate, planting high quality grape vines at the Whitehall Lane Winery site. A barn constructed in the early 1900's for equipment storage is still used today. In 1979, two brothers started the winery and directed their winemaking efforts successfully to Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. They named the winery after the road that runs along the southern border of the property, Whitehall Lane.
In 1993, the Leonardini Family purchased the Whitehall Lane Winery estate. They updated the winemaking and barrel-aging program and introduced a scientific approach in the vineyards. The winery now owns seven prime vineyards that are the cornerstone on which the wines are made. They include two vineyards in the St. Helena Appellation, three vineyards (including the winery) in the Rutherford Appellation, one vineyard in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley and one vineyard in Sonoma Valley.
In its short history, Whitehall Lane has developed into a world-class winery. The efforts of the Leonardini Family are evident in the run of accolades from wine publications but are even more apparent in their elegant, beautifully made wines.
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.