Delaplane Cellars

Reserve Left Bank Merlot Blend

9.030 ratings
8.83 pro ratings
Fauquier County, Northern Region, Virginia, USA
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
Top Notes For
Joe Hirsch

Heading out east this evening.

Heading out east this evening.

Aug 28th, 2014
Ed Matthews

After sitting on our wine rack for a couple of years, this wine has really evolved into something special. This is a Bordeaux blend primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon from the very young vines at the estate. It is young, and juicy, plush with big dark cassis fruit. The tannins and the acidity are present but very much balance the fruit.

After sitting on our wine rack for a couple of years, this wine has really evolved into something special. This is a Bordeaux blend primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon from the very young vines at the estate. It is young, and juicy, plush with big dark cassis fruit. The tannins and the acidity are present but very much balance the fruit.

Jul 8th, 2014
Ed Matthews

Plummy cassis nose, easy drinking, fruit forward with few tannins. Young fruit tasting of dark fruits primarily. Decent acidity.

Plummy cassis nose, easy drinking, fruit forward with few tannins. Young fruit tasting of dark fruits primarily. Decent acidity.

Jun 8th, 2014
Matthew Davis

Still excellent! Dark cassis and plum notes, strong honeysuckle or honeycomb nose, some earthiness or funkiness right off the bat that faded. Still some solid tannins, but much more balanced than when it was younger. Lingers in the mouth well, with some cooking spices on the finish. 38% Cab Sauv, 31% Cab franc, 25% merlot, 6% petit Verdot.

Still excellent! Dark cassis and plum notes, strong honeysuckle or honeycomb nose, some earthiness or funkiness right off the bat that faded. Still some solid tannins, but much more balanced than when it was younger. Lingers in the mouth well, with some cooking spices on the finish. 38% Cab Sauv, 31% Cab franc, 25% merlot, 6% petit Verdot.

Nov 3rd, 2020
Matthew Davis

Really lovely earthy, leather, and tobacco notes with some dark fruit (blackberries or black currants). Still has some of that stereotypical VA cab franc honeysuckle bright and yeasty notes. This has cellared well! (43% Merlot, 36% Cab Sauv, 14% Cab Franc, 7% petit Verdot)

Really lovely earthy, leather, and tobacco notes with some dark fruit (blackberries or black currants). Still has some of that stereotypical VA cab franc honeysuckle bright and yeasty notes. This has cellared well! (43% Merlot, 36% Cab Sauv, 14% Cab Franc, 7% petit Verdot)

Dec 7th, 2018
Ryan Sims

Big cassis on the nose and palate with nice acidity to back up strong fruit. Tannins are smooth and hold on moderately. This could sit for a while and stay rad.

Big cassis on the nose and palate with nice acidity to back up strong fruit. Tannins are smooth and hold on moderately. This could sit for a while and stay rad.

Jan 22nd, 2017
Matthew Davis

47% cab franc 35% cab sauv 12% merlot. Tobacco, some smokiness, fuller bodied and more tannins than melange rouge but almost a cross between Piedmont Station and melange rouge. Some dark fruit

47% cab franc 35% cab sauv 12% merlot. Tobacco, some smokiness, fuller bodied and more tannins than melange rouge but almost a cross between Piedmont Station and melange rouge. Some dark fruit

Jan 15th, 2017
Andrew E.

Great Bordeaux style, perfect to pair with a medium-rare steak. Hints of plum and tobacco.

Great Bordeaux style, perfect to pair with a medium-rare steak. Hints of plum and tobacco.

Aug 7th, 2016
Matthew Davis

Delaplane Cellars 2012 Left Bank (Cab Sauvignon, merlot, Cab Franc, petit Verdot). So smooth and well-balanced, some smoky and spicy leather or tobacco notes. Plum and dark chocolate.

Delaplane Cellars 2012 Left Bank (Cab Sauvignon, merlot, Cab Franc, petit Verdot). So smooth and well-balanced, some smoky and spicy leather or tobacco notes. Plum and dark chocolate.

Oct 11th, 2015
John Bornholdt

2012 Vintage-dark purple color Bordeaux style blend with a clear VA terroir.

2012 Vintage-dark purple color Bordeaux style blend with a clear VA terroir.

Sep 26th, 2015