Napa Valley Merlot

2012 drunk in 2024. Impressed with how well this stood up. Mature fruit, and smooth, but very present tannins. Extra points for exceeding expectations.

Blend of 94% Merlot, 5% Petite Sirah, 1% Malbec, aged for 19 months in French oak (35% new), deep Ruby with aromas of ripe black fruits, spice and sweet notes. On the palate flavors of blackberry, black cherry and currants with baking spice, vanilla, oak and cacao notes. Fine tannins, long savory finish ending with fruit, floral, cacao and vanilla oak. Tasting well now, good for another 5+ years in cellar.

Blend of 94% Merlot, 5% Petite Sirah, 1% Malbec, aged for 19 months in French oak (35% new), deep Ruby with aromas of ripe black fruits, spice and sweet notes. On the palate flavors of blackberry, black cherry and currants with baking spice, vanilla, oak and cacao notes. Fine tannins, long savory finish ending with fruit, floral, cacao and vanilla oak. Tasting well now, good for another 5+ years in cellar.

It's time for some Merlot on this #MerlotThursday. Let's bring Merlot back!

Dark ruby in color with reddish rim.

Fruity nose of black cherries, plums, currants, cedar, earth, vanilla, licorice, spices, tobacco, chocolates, coffee, herbs and peppercorn.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Very dry on the palate with blackberries, plums, cherries, peppercorn, earth, pencil lead, dark chocolates, herbs and light vegetables.

Tangy finish with round tannins and tangy raspberries.

This 10 year old Merlot from Napa Valley is delicious. Nicely balanced, fruit forward and rich.

Peaking now and will continue to drink nicely in the next few years.

I had this vintage before, and this time I gave it a long decant (4 hours) to bring the tannins out. What a difference. Really enjoyed it.

Good by itself or with food. I paired it with Prime Rib, mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables.

14.1% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$35.

Good Costco value, but this vintage isn’t up to previous years. Maybe just an off bottle. Worthwhile revisiting as this wine has been very reliable.

It's time for some Merlot on this #MerlotThursday

Dark ruby in color with a short reddish rim.

Fruity nose of black plums, cooked cherries, cedar, light vanilla, licorice, alcohol, tobacco, dark chocolates, Sherry liqueur cordials, dark coffee and spices.

Full bodied with medium plus acidity.

Dry on the palate with plums, black cherries, oak, light vanilla, spices, dark chocolates, tobacco, herbs, coffee and peppercorn.

Tangy finish with round tannins and tangy cranberries.

This 9 year old Merlot from Napa Valley is still drinking nicely.

Showing some acetone notes, that might go away with longer decanting, which I did not have the time for.

Good right out of the bottle, and better after an hour of airtime. Not as complex as I wanted it to be, but still drinkable.

This 2013 was a great vintage, but it is not showing in this bottle.

Good by itself and better with food. Will pair nicely with a nice piece of steak. I paired it with short ribs with polenta.

14.1% alcohol by volume.

89 points.

$28 (current vintage).

Blend of 98% Merlot & 2% Petite Sirah, aged for 19 months in French oak (35% new), deep Ruby with aromas of ripe black fruits, spice and sweet notes. On the palate flavors of blackberry, black cherry and currants with baking spice, vanilla oak and cacao notes. Fine tannins, long finish ending with fruit, floral, cacao and vanilla oak. Tasting well now, good for another 5+ years in cellar.

This wine is okay. I expected more. Has a funky finish. Other then that, it’s smooth, not too tannic.

4% Petite Sirah added, aged in French oak barrels (35% new) for 19 months. Deep Ruby with ripe dark fruit aromas and cacao scents. On the palate flavors of rich cherry and blueberry with notes of vanilla, nutmeg and toasty oak. Fine chalky tannins, well balanced with acidity, long finish ending with fruit and creamy cacao texture. Very nice!

I have always been a fan of Stags’ Merlot. Subtle tannins, juicy fruit, great acidity. The 17 vintage fits right in. And with a sale at Cosco for 20 bucks I am buying a case ASAP.