Gold Medal - Tasters Guild, 2011
We have featured the excellent wines from Hagafen Cellars in Napa Valley at WineHeist before, but this is the first time that we had the chance to try their exclusive line of “Prix” reserve wines. These wines are typically available only to their wine club, and once we tried them, we could see why: the quality is another step above even Hagafen’s usual standard of excellence. We jumped at the chance to offer their 2006 Merlot, and even better, we are able to offer it at an incredible 25% off.
The 2006 Prix Vichy Vineyard Reserve Merlot is deep ruby in color, with the nose showing classic Merlot aromas of plum and black cherries, along with a hint of candied berries and spearmint. The palate shows blackberry and cherry flavors intermingled with tobacco and damp earth, with good acidity carrying through on the finish. Like all of Hagafen’s wines, this one is built to age (but luckily they have already aged this one in the cellar for you!), and also to go with food. This would be perfect with lamb shank or beef Bourgogne. For Napa Merlot, $55 is a great price, but at $42, this is one that should not be missed.
Varietal: 100% Merlot
Appellation: Napa Valley
Harvest: September 30th, 2006
pH: 3.77
Alcohol: 13.5%
Brix at harvest: 24.6
Acidity: 6.8 g/L
Cases Produced: 200
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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