Oak Knoll District
At WineHeist we are always on the lookout for hard to find, unique wines that represent incredible value. While there is nothing unusual about Napa Cabernet per se, when we found the 2005 R. Merlo Oak Knoll Cabernet we thought we had found something pretty special, and when we found out we could offer it to our customers at a 40% discount, there was no doubt we had to snatch up as much as we could. This definitely fits the bill of being unique, with lower alcohol and earthier, old-world, almost barnyard flavors, but for fans of this style of wine, the complexity and balance makes this an exceptional drinking experience.
The 2005 R. Merlo Cabernet Sauvignon (Merlo is the producer’s somewhat confusing last name, not an indication that Merlot was blended into this wine) is sourced from Napa’s Oak Knoll District, where moderate temperatures allow for balanced, structured wines. The nose is wonderfully complex, with cassis and black currant, eucalyptus, coffee, brown sugar and just a hint of dried herb. This nose is definitely reminiscent of high-level Bordeaux. The palate offers red cherry and blackberry, along with caramelized sugar, with soft tannin, nice acid, and wonderful integration that only comes from seeing a little extra time in the bottle. At 5 years of age, this is drinking just about perfectly, but should cellar for another 3-5 years with no trouble. With beautiful layering and just 13.9% alcohol, this is a great wine to enjoy on its own, but it would also pair beautifully with beef stew or duck. This wine is well worth its regular price tag of $63, but at $38 it is an absolute steal. If you are a fan of California wine that is more classically styled, stock up on this one today!
Grape Source: Oak Knoll of Napa Valley
Aging: 24 months in French oak (40% new oak)
Acid/pH: .60 / 3.75
Harvest Brix: 24.2
Residual Suga: 0.2%
Alcohol Content: 13.9%
Bottling Date: September 2007
Production: 450 Cases
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
Inky, plush, and cellar-worthy
The nose is an aromatic riot—a decadent mashup of blackberry, black cherry, and plum swirled with whimsical notes of red licorice, vanilla, and cocoa. A savory dust of spice, cedar, and a gentle kiss of oak adds a sophisticated edge to this fruit-forward powerhouse.
91 Points
Shimmering ruby-purple hue. The nose is a walk through a damp Sonoma forest—mossy bark and wild earth—brightened by high-toned notes of cranberry sauce and blood orange. On the palate, it's generously long in the mouth, with good concentration. It's a masterclass in tension: intense, cherry and red current fruit meets dark spice and fine, sandy tannins.
96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
96 Point Vintage
Entices with aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, and cedar spice. Indicative of the cool vintage, the wine carries a freshness throughout. The palate offers a harmonious balance between bright red fruit, spice, and nicely woven tannins.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
97 Points
Rich dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of baking spices, licorice, coffee, and chocolate that interlace seamlessly with complexity, creating a wine that is both structured and delightfully supple, achieving an ideal balance of tension and grace. Artfully composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, resulting in harmonious depth and freshness.
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.
New Release
A ferociously fun Napa Valley blend with depth, balance and big flavor. Aromas of red currant, fresh strawberries, black plum, vanilla, and notes of cocoa on the nose. The palate is bursting with fruit ranging from cherries, mixed berry compote, toasted hazelnut and more. This wine has great texture that ultimately finishes with round, silky smooth tannins.
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