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
Legendary Sangiacomo Robert's Road Vineyard
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.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
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