2017 Sandlands Merlot
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Tasting notes
Coombsville is one of Passalacqua’s most important grape sources because that’s where he grew up. From a vineyard just east of Napa’s Oxbow that was planted in 1985 by Michael Black (the vineyard manager at Simi who planted lots of vines for Peter Michael). Paul Hobbs started his wine brand with this vineyard, planted on pure rock. He gave it up, then one of his assistants took it over, but Raj Parr and Tegan get a little of the fruit. Raj produces it under the Colète label in a joint venture with Marie Vayron Ponsonnet from Pomerol. The Haynes vineyard bought by Lawrence Estates is down the street from here apparently. Lots of structure and freshness. Not as much lush sweetness as most Merlots. Racy and long. Very distinctive. Still quite tight. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2017 Merlot is a powerful, dense wine loaded with all the savoriness that is such a hallmark of Coombsville. Dried herbs, menthol, licorice, pine and earthy notes add aromatic complexity to a core of dark red and blue-ish hued fruits. Lovers of old-school, classically built Napa wines take note - the 2017 Merlot is a jewel of a wine.
The 2017 Merlot, from vines planted in 1985, is a wine of real class and pedigree. Gracious and understated, the Sandlands Merlot is superb. In tasting, the Merlot is wonderfully gracious, with striking aromatic nuance and tons of hillside character. Medium in body and classically built, the Merlot is fabulous. Readers will find an unusual Napa Valley Merlot built on bright acids and structure. I tasted the 2017 from barrel.