Merlot
2013 Rust en Vrede, Merlot
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Aromas present with black plum skin, cherries and currants with notes of bay leaf and tomato stem. Ancillary aromas of pepper, wood, cocoa nibs and earth/clay. On the palate this show as a bridge between old and new world with varietal distinctive notes fruit and terroir. Flavors of currant, cherry, leather, old wood, mineral, brick, and tomato leaf. The acid and tannins are both moderate with balanced alcohol.
$19 – 89 Points
2012, Duckhorn, Merlot, Three Palms Vineyard
Napa Valley, California
Beautiful scents of medium-plus intensity show off this vineyard specific Merlot. Aromas lead with scents of warm gravel that meld with notes of cigar smoke and tobacco, mocha, suede, dark cherry, forest floor, dark berry, cocoa nib, vanilla, dried then crushed florals and hints of pencil shavings, herbs and underbrush.
On the palate well developed showing notes of warm rock and gravel with an unyielding juicy dark cherry and mocha component upfront. Dark berry, plum, wild raspberry, bramble, sage, suede, cigar tobacco, spice, espresso, earth and wood come into play on the palate as well. Exceptionally well integrated flavors with medium-plus velvety tannins and acidity showing the wine's structure and ability to age. The finish is long showing off impeccable balance between the sweet and savory, the tannins and acidity of the wine.
2014 Woodward Canyon, Merlot
Columbia Valley, Washington
From one of Washington’s finest producers, and one of the classic varietals for the state this Merlot is predominately estate fruit that is certified sustainable. The 2014 vintage was the perfect vintage for Merlot
Scents scream opulence with rich aromas of black cherry, cassis and plum that weave effortlessly into the notes of mocha, spice, earth, toast, velvety herbs and tobacco. The palate is refined and beautifully balanced. Plush velvety textures envelop the palate with sweet-polished tannins and structured acidity. Rich flavors of dark cherry, cassis, plum, toast, vanilla, mocha, spice, earth and tobacco all work in concert through the effortless finish.
2015 Rombauer, Merlot
Napa Valley, California
About 25% of the wine was barrel-fermented before being gently basket-pressed before then racked to French oak barrels for 17 month aging.
Suave aromas showcase notes of rich dark plum, black cherry, cassis, blueberry, velour, velvety sage and light tomato leaf, violets, earth, espresso and cocoa with light traces of tobacco, graphite and leather.
The palate is supple, rich and refined even in his stage of its youth. Plush textures, fine tannins and structured acidity and alcohol show high level of winemaking and quality of fruit. Flavors translate seamlessly from the nose, Dark plum, cassis, blueberry, dark cherry, and dark berry come with notes of chocolate, espresso, earth, leather, violets, herbs, No 2 pencil, toast and oak. The finish lingers effortlessly
2016 Devona, Merlot
Columbia Valley, Washington
100% Merlot from Bacchus vineyard Block Four. Aged in 100% French, 40% new & 60% two & three-year-old for 21 months with additional time spent in bottle before release.
The aromas show opulence and complexity even at this very young stage. Notes of brandied cherries, black berries, black plum and fig are met with notes of baking spices, Djarum tobacco, vanilla bean, new suede, cigar box and hints of pepper, herbs and earth imbue the nose.
The wine hits the palate with a silky, mouth-filling texture and ripe fine grained tannins that provide structure alongside the berry like acidity and above moderate alcohol. Flavors follow suit from the nose expressing smashed blackberry, brandied cherries, cassis, black plum and fig with cinnamon, clove, soft leather, pepper, herbs, earth, vanilla and cedar. The finish is long and youthful. Another fantastic Merlot from John Abbott.
2016 Peju Province, Merlot
Napa Valley, California
95% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Petite Sirah aged 18 months in French oak.
Rich aromas envelope the nose showing scents of pomegranate syrup, cassis, dark cherry, and fruit leather with baking spices, mocha, herbs, leather, vanilla and sweet oak notes.
The palate is dense and rich laced with sweet and supple tannins, berry like acidity and moderate-plus alcohol. Warm flavors of baking spice laced dark cherry, pomegranate syrup, strawberry fruit leather and cassis with herbs, earth, dark cocoa, espresso, vanilla, dried violets and toasted oak. the finish lingers.