2021 Napa Valley Merlot
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Tasting notes
A blend of fruit from Stagecoach and Waters Ranch (Pahlmeyer's estate vineyard), the 2021 Merlot is a real beauty. Scents of menthol, cedar and a hint of mocha accent the ripe black cherry core, while the full-bodied palate is concentrated and expansive, with a plush, velvety texture that extends through the long, mocha and meat-tinged finish.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Delicious, velvety and mouth-filling, this wine could convert any merlot skeptic to being a fan. Mountain grown in the Stagecoach Vineyard and Waters Vineyard, it is intense and saturated with flavor, but wrapped in luscious tannins that tempt you to drink it now. Blueberries, creme de cassis, cherries, cream and mint. 100% merlot. Drinkable now, but best from 2028.
The 2021 Merlot is a potent, explosive wine with tons of textural intensity and power. Black-toned fruit, sage, espresso, chocolate, licorice and copious new oak all stain the palate. Hints of graphite and savory notes add cool-toned complexity. More than anything else, this is most definitely a mountain wine. It would be pretty hard to peg as Merlot, except for the contours.