Estate Grown Cave Fermented Napa Valley Merlot

I’ve had 2011, 2012, 2013 and now 2014. Aside from 2011, the notes are quite similar. This was opened for a merlot theme, and found itself near to the 2012 Reserve (much more layered). Corked and held up well over a few days.

After a few visits here, you start to pick up a signature note in all their red wines which is like menthol wrapped green peppercorn, and that is absolutely present here.

There’s an old world style but with a stamp of new world. Similar to the 2013, this has quite a bit of herb crusted black cherries and cherry tobacco aromatically. On the palate it has nice weight at this age and seems to be drinking at peak but with a great spine of acid. There is bay leaf, powdered dark cocoa, mocha, tart currant and more black cherry notes towards the finish. More right bank Bordeaux like than the other vintages. Really pretty.

Having been to Napa many times, this is undoubtedly one of the best/most impressive winery tours out of all the ones we’ve done. So much so that we’ve gone back for a total of three visits.

After many visits, you start to pick up a scent from their caves...like menthol wrapped green peppercorn...and that’s exactly what is going on here. Extremely old world in style (left bank in a cool vintage) with a flair of new world. Aside from the methol and green peppercorn, there is fig and ripe rhubarb aromatically. On the palate it has nice weight at this age and seems to be drinking at peak. All things working in harmony. Bay leaf, fondue dipped dark fruits, mocha and black cherry skin towards the finish. I’d enjoy these sooner rather than later.

Been too long since enjoying one of my favorite Napa Valley merlots. Jarvis has one of the most impressive winery tours I’ve ever been a part of (so much so that we’ve been 3 times) and the wines are all so incredibly unique and expressive.

I’ve tasted ‘10, ‘11, ‘12 and ‘13 vintage Merlots and am always surprised at how well the ‘11 shows. The nose highlights the vintage with some green notes, but there is a dirty and spicy kick to it that livens it up. Potpourri and dusty blackberry round it out. Absolutely impeccable texture and balance from start to finish...drinking perfectly at 7-years old. Black cherry, dark chocolate, cassis, violet, muddled rhubarb. Another ‘11 wine that struts its stuff well.

Outstanding Napa Merlot. True to varietal and region.

Last day in Napa Valley. Always bittersweet. We’ve been fortunate to visit Jarvis a few times over the years and they always do a fantastic tasting as well as tour. A must visit in Napa.

Though we weren’t able to taste any Reserve Cabernets or their Unfiltered Finch Hollow Chardonnay, this merlot was probably my favorite of the tasting, though the normal finch Hollow Chardonnay was a close second! One of the few Merlots I actively purchase when I can. Dark but very clean/pure fruit profile of black cherry, cedar, nutmeg and a really lovely texture that is incredibly smooth.

So so so good thanks Scott for sharing this at the Vintage Report. I loved it. Really this might be the best that can be made. Love merlot.

Didn't give it enough time to open. One of my favorite vineyards - but didn't live up this evening.

Mushrooms - soil - leather

So smooth.

TasteFest 2021 weekend in NYC. Offerings of West Coast reds from CA and OR. This took the prize for best wine of the weekend. Decanted for several hours. Beautiful texture.