It seems like every time we see a tasting note on Merlot for the last 5 years or so, the writer feels the need to explain that even despite what the movies say, Merlot is a wonderful grape. So we’ll assume you’ve heard all that before, and focus on the wine: the 2005 Estate Merlot from Arbor Bench Vineyards in Dry Creek Valley. While Merlot works in the somewhat cooler regions of Bordeaux in France, in California it seems to do better in warm sites where the fruit can become ripe and lush, without any green flavors. This makes Dry Creek a wonderful place for Merlot, thanks to warm days and plenty of sunshine.
The 2005 Arbor Bench Merlot is ruby garnet in color. The nose offers lovely aromas of black cherry, blackberry, and vanilla, with intriguing notes of coffee, pomegranate, and pipe tobacco. The palate is fruit driven at this age, with raspberry, plum, and blackberry, and just a hint of caramel and pepper. Good acidity keeps things lively and fresh, with smooth tannin rounding out the finish and lingering on the tongue.
Arbor Bench has typically sold their grapes to various producers, but decided to start making some of their own wine to showcase what their vineyard has to offer. This inaugural effort shows that this site is capable of producing elegant, flavorful wines, and best of all, at affordable prices. At under $25, this is one to stock up on and enjoy with a wide range of cuisines; it is so balanced that it will pair well with almost anything, from roasted chicken, to grilled steak. A great value!
95 Points
Rich and full-bodied, packed with dark fruit flavors of blackberry, ripe plum, and dark cherry. Notes of cocoa, cedar, and warm spice add complexity, while firm tannins and a touch of volcanic minerality reflect the bold characteristics of Calistoga’s terroir. Full-bodied in texture, and remarkably velvety. The tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit.
92 Points
Deep floral notes (violets), blackberry, black cherry, and cassis. Driven by the mountain's steep, cool-climate terroir, it balances rich notes of blackberry and pomegranate seamlessly intertwined with dark plum, cocoa dust, and roasted mocha, hints of roasted mocha and spice undertones add depth to its complex profile, culminating in a bold, yet elegant finish.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
