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
92 Points
Inviting aromas of ripe cherry, strawberry, and pomegranate. The palate unfolds with layered flavors of black cherry, raspberry cordial, vanilla bean and spice, where focused tannins envelop, leading to a rich red fruit finish with blue fruit undertones.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Exceptional!
Reddish-purple in color with aromas of blackberry, plum, pomegranate, herbs de Provence, and licorice. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry, cassis, and licorice that carries through, with notes of black pepper, mocha and chocolate. Very long, spicy, with a fruit-driven finish. Great aging potential.
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
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.
95 Points
Lofty aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, and plum mingle with hints of baking spices and a touch of violet. The palate reveals luscious flavors of ripe berries, complemented by notes of black pepper and a subtle earthiness. With well-integrated tannins and a long lingering finish.
94 Points
Juice explodes right out of the glass with its dark purple in color and bursting aromas of black cherry jam, boysenberry, raspberry and wild cherry interlaced with hints of baking spice, espresso bean, and toasted nut. The palate is ripe and juicy with flavors of dark cherry, huckleberry and raspberry perfectly integrated with notes of spice, dark chocolate, and a kiss of toasty oak.
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.
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