Napa Valley
Merlot Ratings

92 points

"Exceptional. Ruby color. Aromas and flavors of spiced cherry chocolate bar, panettone, and plum pie with a vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a complex, long finish that presents accents of chocolate orange peels and strawberries, spiced toffee, and vanilla custard with fine, chewy tannins. A silky and expressive Napa Merlot with lovely fruit, chocolatey oak, and fine chewy tannins."
- Beverage Testing Institute, July 2026 - 2024 vintage
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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
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94 points, Platinum Medal

- San Deigo Wine Challenge, 2026 - 2023 vintage
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90 points, Gold Medal

- San Diego Wine Competition, 2024 - 2022 vintage
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92 points, Gold Medal

- Critics Challenge, 2019
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94 points, Platinum Medal

- San Diego Wine Competition, 2018
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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

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