2017 Napa Valley Merlot

Coming mostly from the estate on Atlas Peak, the 2017 Merlot has a ripe, sexy bouquet of black cherry and blackberry fruit as well as lots of chocolate, toasty oak, graphite, and crushed flowers. Rich and full-bodied, it has fine tannins, beautiful balance, and enough structure to warrant short-term cellaring.

The 2017 Merlot is plump, juicy and absolutely delicious. Black cherry, plum, chocolate, spice, new leather and lavender all jump from the glass as this rich, seductive Merlot shows off its alluring personality. Still recovering from its very recent bottling, the 2017 needs time to bounce back - but truthfully, it is already absolutely delicious and will be very easy to enjoy with minimal cellaring.

The 2017 Merlot, bottled at the beginning of September, delivers evocative notions of warm black plums, blackberry pie, mulberries and fruitcake with hints of tar, charcuterie, black olives and cracked black pepper. Medium-bodied, the palate practically prances with lively black fruit preserves and savory accents, framed by rounded tannins and loads of freshness, finishing long and fruity.