2010 Plumpjack Merlot Napa Valley

The 2010 Merlot bursts from the glass with gorgeous freshness. White flowers, spices, chocolate, mocha and sweet red berries jump out from this exuberant, fleshy Merlot. At the same time, the cool, late growing season helped preserve vivacity and verve. The 2010 is 94% Merlot plus dollops of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. The biggest news at Plumpjack is the departure of long-time winemaker Tony Biagi, who crafted a number of the finest wines to emerge from this gorgeous property in Oakville. Biagi is moving to Hourglass, which has needed more day-to-day attention for some time, while Plumpjack has installed an on-site winemaker for each of their three properties; Plumpjack, Cade and Odette, the company's new project in the Stags' Leap district. The new winemaker at Plumpjack is Aaron Miller, previously of Groth and Lewis. Companies evolve and people move on to new challenges. It happens. I have to say I have seen few, if any, wineries handle the first part of a transition like this with as much grace and intelligence as Plumpjack has. Tel. (707) 945-1220

Dark berries, freshly cut flowers and sweet spices are some of the notes that flow from the 2010 Merlot. Layers of bright, well-articulated fruit caress the palate on the finish of this extroverted, juicy Merlot.