Marilyn Merlot 2020

The color is immediately captivating in this rich deep purple hued 2017 Merlot. There is good intensity on the nose with well integrated aromas that hint of ripe plums, orange zest and cherries. On the palate there are subtle notes of vanilla, cocoa and baked, nicely browned pie crust. This wine has more than ample body and structure for a Napa Merlot, but still maintains that rich, nice balance as it glides across the palate, ending with a long enjoyable finish.

We were fortunate to have sourced the Merlot in this wine from 3 wonderful sub-appellations in Napa Valley, similar to our 2019 vintage, Carneros, Rutherford and Howell Mountain. To these Merlots we added a small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon from the vaunted Rutherford Appellation, which adds some structure and complexity to this enticing wine.

This wine was aged for 18-20 months in 60 gallon French Coopered predominately Amderican Oak barrels from Missouri and Minneaota. We incorporate about 1/3 new oak barrels every year. We like how these barrels marry well with our Merlot and the percentage of new oak is a nice balance of giving the wine some nice notes of spice, coffee and a light toasty character without overpowering the bright fruit.