Truncated notes. Not as ripe as expected. “13 2/3%” alcohol (who puts fractions on a label?). Reminded me of a tannic Pomerol from a not too ripe vintage. Rustic mouthfeel.
UPDATE: on night two, after overnighting under a vacuum closure, this has really improved. A lot. Intense plummy fruit on the nose. Stony, smoky gravel scents, and on the palate, the rich Merlot fruit coming out, more velvety textured. Upping from a 8.8 to. 9.2. Obviously, the way this improved, it will likely benefit from air. I am quite chagrined my initial impression was so off.
Truncated notes. Not as ripe as expected. “13 2/3%” alcohol (who puts fractions on a label?). Reminded me of a tannic Pomerol from a not too ripe vintage. Rustic mouthfeel.
UPDATE: on night two, after overnighting under a vacuum closure, this has really improved. A lot. Intense plummy fruit on the nose. Stony, smoky gravel scents, and on the palate, the rich Merlot fruit coming out, more velvety textured. Upping from a 8.8 to. 9.2. Obviously, the way this improved, it will likely benefit from air. I am quite chagrined my initial impression was so off.
Nov 2nd, 2026
Lguy
Oct 28th, 2026
2011 vintage is so good right now. Refreshing, watering mouthfeel w/ leafy tobacco and mineral flavors. I’m going to need to pick up some more.
2011 vintage is so good right now. Refreshing, watering mouthfeel w/ leafy tobacco and mineral flavors. I’m going to need to pick up some more.
Sep 30th, 2021
Was completely blown away by this wine, high toned red fruit, medium plus acidity and medium plus tannins. This wine is great now but can’t wait till I open a bottle in 5-10 years.
Was completely blown away by this wine, high toned red fruit, medium plus acidity and medium plus tannins. This wine is great now but can’t wait till I open a bottle in 5-10 years.
Aug 18th, 2019
The 2014 Merlot from Mayacamas is a classic expression of Napa Valley Merlot, which is all about precision and sheer class. It begins with striking aromatics of ripe dark plums and red currants woven together with fresh spring florals, graphite, crushed stones and traces of dried herbs all taking shape. On the palate this possessing a medium-bodied, with silky and refined texture leading to a tightly wound core. It thoroughly impresses as it effortlessly glides across the palate with incredible balance and finesse, leading up to the graceful finish. The 2014 is still showing a bit of restraint and needs some significant air contact before it begins to show, readers should plan on allowing this age-worthy Merlot at least a few more years to unwind before it hits its stride.
The 2014 Merlot from Mayacamas is a classic expression of Napa Valley Merlot, which is all about precision and sheer class. It begins with striking aromatics of ripe dark plums and red currants woven together with fresh spring florals, graphite, crushed stones and traces of dried herbs all taking shape. On the palate this possessing a medium-bodied, with silky and refined texture leading to a tightly wound core. It thoroughly impresses as it effortlessly glides across the palate with incredible balance and finesse, leading up to the graceful finish. The 2014 is still showing a bit of restraint and needs some significant air contact before it begins to show, readers should plan on allowing this age-worthy Merlot at least a few more years to unwind before it hits its stride.
Jul 9th, 2019
Bramble berries and dried herbs, bright, a pleasure to encounter a rare serious expression of Merlot
Bramble berries and dried herbs, bright, a pleasure to encounter a rare serious expression of Merlot
3 people found it helpfulNov 11th, 2015
Damn serious Merlot. Beaming with bright briar fruit, minerality and dried herbs.
Damn serious Merlot. Beaming with bright briar fruit, minerality and dried herbs.
2 people found it helpfulSep 21st, 2018
Briar berries, dried herbs, beautiful minerality. A pure and clean merlot.
Briar berries, dried herbs, beautiful minerality. A pure and clean merlot.
1 person found it helpfulFeb 14th, 2019
Had all that great mountain fruit but a sharp greenness that finished it off.
Had all that great mountain fruit but a sharp greenness that finished it off.
1 person found it helpfulDec 26th, 2018
The dirty stinky nose...but the wine is lush and full. Hints of black cherry, minimal tannins. Wonderful.
The dirty stinky nose...but the wine is lush and full. Hints of black cherry, minimal tannins. Wonderful.
1 person found it helpfulJan 20th, 2018
Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley, California, USA
