Considered nearly perfect vintage for Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
Wine Spectator rated the vintage 99 on its 100-point scale.
The Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley is probably one of the lesser-known sub-AVAs within the Napa Valley proper, sitting at the southern end of the valley. This southern location puts it closer to the San Pablo Bay, moderating temperatures and resulting in wines that may be a bit lighter than those from vineyards further north. The result is wines that are beautifully balanced, with great potential for aging, and that pair wonderfully with food. Today's offering from R. Merlo Vineyards provides a wonderful example of Cabernet Sauvignon grown in the Oak Knoll District.
The 2007 Raymond Merlo Oak Knoll Cabernet Sauvignon is deep ruby in color. The nose shows typical Cabernet aromas of black cherry, leather, and pencil lead, with an intriguing blueberry note. The palate starts with more cherry, joined by spicy, tobacco notes and cassis. Medium bodied and vibrant, this wonderfully fresh (especially for 7 years of age!), this classic Cabernet looks to have a long life ahead of it. And now for the best part: we are offering it at an astounding 50% discount. Wine with this pedigree and aging potential for under $30, and with a Napa designation to boot, simply doesn’t come along often, so don’t miss out on this one.
Grape Source: Oak Knoll of Napa Valley
Aging: 24 months in French oak (40% new oak)
Acid/pH: .60 / 3.53
Harvest Brix: 24.2
Residual Suga: 0.2%
Alcohol Content: 14.1%
Bottling Date: November 2013
Production: 600 Cases
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92 Points
Lofty aromas of ripe red fruits layered with notes of crushed violets, berry cobbler, cherry and creme brulee leading into crushed blackberry with cassis, mocha, leather, mineral, and baking spice. Its all encompassing and bold mouthfeel are outstanding, as deep tannins dance around the palate, finishing with flavors of blackberry, fig, and pipe tobacco.
Exceptional
Aromas of bright oak, essence of lilac, toasted brioche and sage delight your senses. Flavors are just as complex with hints of soft melted butter, quince, fig, and a touch of lavender that titillate your taste buds. Its delightful texture is balanced by great acidity, leading to a long satisfying finish. Truly a chardonnay lovers top pick.
90 Points
Dark ruby red in the glass, and good swirl on the nose offers generous aromatics of cassis, black cherry and spice. Generously oaked, with crushed blackberry, baked plums, baking spices, and Turkish fig. A supple body, gives way to red and dark fruit like plum, blueberry compote, prune, with anise and light spice on the finish.
94 Points
Deep garnet-purple in color and strides confidently out of the glass with notes of crushed blueberries, ripe blackberry, and warm cassis with hints of cherry, black olive, currant and a touch of black pepper.
91 Points
Layers of strawberry, baked cherry pie, anise, cherry lollipop, wild game, and spicebox. On the palate, black cherry jam couples with crème de cassis, mixed berry crisp, rhubarb, and a touch of vanilla.
94 Points
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96 Points
Ruby-plum core with a light purple rim in the glass, with aromas of dark cherry, plum, spicy cola and black tea waft from the glass. The palate delivers all of that and then some, adding layers of fig jam, white peppercorn and baking spice. Firm juicy tannins and balanced acidity round it out.
Rich & Luxurious!
Beautiful ruby color and opens with aromas of bright red plum and raspberry, cassis, and a touch of mint. The tannins are soft yet structured, and complemented by vibrant acidity, with hints of clove and baking spice from the oak aging. The wine ends with a long, smooth finish and lingering intensity encouraging you to enjoy another juicy sip.
94 Points
Deep garnet in color from the ripe 2018 vintage, with open aromas of lush fruit – plum, blackberry, and cherry, and notes of cedar, vanilla, and white pepper. Across the palate it's quite seamless and silky, rich and concentrated. The fruit flavors are bold and vibrant. Mouth-filling with smooth tannins, great texture and a long delicious finish.
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