Considered nearly perfect vintage for Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
Wine Spectator rated the vintage 99 on its 100-point scale.
The Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley is probably one of the lesser-known sub-AVAs within the Napa Valley proper, sitting at the southern end of the valley. This southern location puts it closer to the San Pablo Bay, moderating temperatures and resulting in wines that may be a bit lighter than those from vineyards further north. The result is wines that are beautifully balanced, with great potential for aging, and that pair wonderfully with food. Today's offering from R. Merlo Vineyards provides a wonderful example of Cabernet Sauvignon grown in the Oak Knoll District.
The 2007 Raymond Merlo Oak Knoll Cabernet Sauvignon is deep ruby in color. The nose shows typical Cabernet aromas of black cherry, leather, and pencil lead, with an intriguing blueberry note. The palate starts with more cherry, joined by spicy, tobacco notes and cassis. Medium bodied and vibrant, this wonderfully fresh (especially for 7 years of age!), this classic Cabernet looks to have a long life ahead of it. And now for the best part: we are offering it at an astounding 50% discount. Wine with this pedigree and aging potential for under $30, and with a Napa designation to boot, simply doesn’t come along often, so don’t miss out on this one.
Grape Source: Oak Knoll of Napa Valley
Aging: 24 months in French oak (40% new oak)
Acid/pH: .60 / 3.53
Harvest Brix: 24.2
Residual Suga: 0.2%
Alcohol Content: 14.1%
Bottling Date: November 2013
Production: 600 Cases
94 Points
Decadent, rich, and supple. Aromas of black cherry, dark chocolate, crushed stone, dried herbs, and cedar lead into layered notes of cassis, fennel, baked plums, mocha powder, and cigars dusted with roasted Herbs de Provence, earth and red volcanic mineral notes. Full-bodied and rich, with a firm spine of racy acidity and ultra-fine, gravelly tannins that carry the lasting, mouthwatering finish.
93 Points
Aromas of blackcurrant, dark plum, and cedar unfold alongside soft notes of vanilla and toasted oak. On the palate, structured tannins frame layers of black cherry, baking spice, and a subtle herbal lift from the Merlot blended beneath the Cabernet's backbone. Medium-bodied gem with good concentration finishing long and warm, with lingering impressions of cocoa and dried fig.
94 Points
A full-throttle, blackberry-driven red, laden with chalky minerality and layered with robust tannins. Violet scents mingle with fig and plum fruit in a medium- to full-bodied expression that hits all the right chords, delivering a pleasing one-two punch to the senses.
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