Napa Valley
Merlot Ratings
Napa Valley
Merlot
2023
94 points
"Fine domestic Merlot certainly does exist, and this wine definitely shows itself as such. Bright cherry fruit shines through rich oak character, with notes of dried herbs and a dash of pepper adding depth and interest. The acidity is lively and helps the fruit push through a long finish where all the elements remain in balance and linger long. Nicely done!""
- Rich Cook, February 2026 - 2023 vintage
Download Shelftalker
94 points, Platinum Medal
- San Deigo Wine Challenge, 2026 - 2023 vintage
Download Shelftalker
Napa Valley
Merlot
2022
90 points, Gold Medal
- San Diego Wine Competition, 2024 - 2022 vintage
Download Shelftalker
Napa Valley
Merlot
2017
Napa Valley
Merlot
2015
92 points
Merlot finds a great spot in Napa Valley, and this wine brings the goods at a nice price for the region. Juicy red fruit and fall spice aromas and flavors are perfectly ripe, and supple grip extends the finish, where the fruit and spice meld with good push and mouth watering acidity. It’s perfect for a grilled t-bone dinner.- Rick Cook, Wine Review Online, 2018
Napa Valley
Merlot
2014
93 points, Gold Medal
Exceptional, Cellar Selection"Ruby color. Oaky, elegant aromas of polished fine furniture, ripe forest berries, curaçao oranges, and white peppercorns with a velvety, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and an effortless, involved, medium-long cranberry relish, walnut, and blackberry finish with well-integrated tannins and moderate oak. A rich and dry, sophisticated Merlot full of exquisite oak."
- Beverage Testing Institute, November 2017
Silver Medal
- Sommerlier Challenge, 2017Napa Valley
Merlot
2013
90 points, Gold Medal
- Critics Challenge, 2015
88 points, Silver Medal
"Bright medium garnet black color. Bright, savory, creamy aromas of berry creme brulee, pickled tomatoes, and roasted nuts with a soft, tangy, dryish medium-to-full body and a warming, involved, medium-length wet slate and dried sour cherries finish with well integrated tannins and moderate oak. A nicely balanced merlot that has a dry, minerally Old World character."- Beverage Testing Institute, April 2015
Silver Medal
- San Diego Wine Competition, 2015
Silver Medal
- Winemaker Challenge, 2015
Silver Medal
- American Wine Society, 2016Napa Valley
Merlot
2012
90 points, Gold Medal
Exceptional"Ruby color. Aromas and flavors of cherry pie, toffee, and toasted meringue with a silky, tangy, fruity medium-to-full body and a tingling, charming finish with notes of plum, delicate spice, pepper, and cedar with chewy tannins and light oak. A tasty, juicy, spot-on merlot."
- Beverage Testing Institute, October 2014
88 points
Very Good, Strong Recommendation"Opaque purple. Tart, peppery scents open the nosing stage, then the aroma turns dried and berry-like. Taste profile highlights the tannins that are bittersweet, astringent, tight as a drum. Aftertaste offers nuanced tastes of prune Danish, mince meat."
- Ultimate Wine Challenge, June 2014
Napa Valley
Merlot
2011
89 points, Silver Medal
Highly Recommended"Ruby color. Aromas of powdered plum tart and chocolate nut with a silky, fruity-yet-dry medium-to-full body and a tangy blood orange and earth accented finish with nutskin-like tannins. Good varietal character."
- Beverage Testing Institute, January 2014
Silver Medal
- American Wine Society Commerical Wine Competition, 2013
"Here's an everyday Merlot whose most attractive feature is its fresh, keen fruit. The blackberries and cherries are wrapped into firm tannins, but the wine isn't an ager, so drink it now with rich, fatty meats and cheeses."
- Wine Enthusiast, May 2014
- Wine Enthusiast, May 2014
Napa Valley
Merlot
2009