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
95 Points
Deep garnet-purple in color, it strides confidently out of the glass with notes of crushed blueberries, ripe, fresh blackberries and warm cassis plus hints of black cherry, cardamom and nutmeg. The full-bodied palate is full of crunchy black fruits. It's rich and ripe firm chewy tannins provide additional structure and complexity as you make your descent into a long and flavorful finish.
94 Points
Aromas of honey, ginger, and key lime radiate from this elegant Chardonnay. A burst of fresh citrus, lime, and star fruit enlivens the front palate upon first sip and is quickly followed by ginger and white pepper, all underscored by subtle notes of white peach and cardamom. Vibrant acidity and steely minerality give the wine excellent structure as it moves into a long, flavorful finish.
93 Points
Robust aromatics of boysenberry, blackberry, cranberry, and black cherry are the centerpiece of this wine, harmonizing with the underlying aromas of violets, sandalwood, and forest floor. The first sip opens on the palate with a rush of softness and density, and lush, savory tannins. Red berries, blackberry, and cassis envelop the tongue on the mid-palate, gently punctuated with subtle acidity followed by a long, flavorful finish.
90 Points
Aromas of cranberry, sour cherry, plum, and orange rind, complemented by hints of forest floor, pine needles, and rosemary. The wine opens with flavor of juicy red fruit supported by spicy undertones of red pepper and black tea. The freshness of its red fruit are enhanced a vibrant core of light acidity and full rich tannins all of which linger gracefully in the long finish.
94 Points
Aromas of fresh lime, verbena, and gooseberry are followed by a juicy, aromatic front palate with bright acidity that wakes up your taste buds. The heightened aromatics develop even greater complexity on the mid-palate, featuring fresh lemon and star fruit, with just a hint of green apple and mango. Gorgeous structural precision leads to a long and chiseled finish with lasting minerality.
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