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Napa Valley
Merlot Ratings

92

2017 Napa Valley
Merlot

92 points - Gold Medal

Critics Challenge, 2019

94

2015 Napa Valley
Merlot

94 points - Platinum Medal

San Diego Wine Competition, 2018

93

2014 Napa Valley
Merlot

93 points - Gold Medal

"Oaky, elegant aromas...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 2017

Napa Valley
Merlot
2017

92 points, gold medal - Critics Challenge

92 points, Gold Medal

- Critics Challenge, 2019
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Napa Valley
Merlot
2015

94 points, Platinum Medal, San Diego Wine Competition

94 points, Platinum Medal

- San Diego Wine Competition, 2018
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92 points, Wine Review Online

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, Cellar Selection, Beverage Testing Institute

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

Silver Medal

- Sommerlier Challenge, 2017

Napa Valley
Merlot
2013

90 points, Gold Medal, Critics Challenge

90 points, Gold Medal

- Critics Challenge, 2015

88 points, Silver Medal, Beverage Testing Institute

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

Silver Medal

- San Diego Wine Competition, 2015

Silver Medal - Winemaker Challenge

Silver Medal

- Winemaker Challenge, 2015

Silver Medal, American Wine Society

Silver Medal

- American Wine Society, 2016

Napa Valley
Merlot
2012

90 points, Gold Medal, Beverage Testing Institute

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, Ultimate Wine Challenge

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, Beverage Testing Institute

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

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

Napa Valley
Merlot
2009

Silver Medal, American Wine Society

Silver Medal

- American Wine Society Commerical Wine Competition, 2012