2020 Stags' Leap Winery Merlot Napa Valley

Winemaker Notes:  True to its southern Napa origins, the 2020 Merlot exhibits fresh, expressive aromas and flavors with notes of ripe black cherry, red currant, and black plum. These mingle with spiced notes of cinnamon, clove, Madagascar vanilla, and caramel from the delicately interwoven oak aging. Lively, lifted chaparral notes of lavender, fresh mint, and sage, dance alongside riper tones of blueberry preserves and bittersweet dark chocolate, while hints of anise and black tea add savory complexity. This sumptuous wine is creamy and round with a backbone of fresh acidity. The tannin profile is polished and firm, adding richness and balance. The finish is deep and nuanced, demonstrating grace and finesse.

Blend: 96% Merlot, 2% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon

Established in 1893, Stags’ Leap Winery is one of the oldest wine estates within the acclaimed Stags Leap District, producing wines expressive of its unique terroir. With an enduring winemaking philosophy that honors traditional techniques while embracing modern capabilities, and by using the finest grapes from their own 80-acre vineyard and from quality-focused growers, Stags’ Leap wines embody a natural balance, exhibiting both intensity and finesse, while bringing forth the inherent qualities of each variety.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM

James Suckling - "A merlot with chocolate, black olive, and walnut aromas and flavors. Full-bodied and layered. Chewy tannins. Juicy at the same time. Give it two or three years to soften. "

Wine Enthusiast - "Beautiful red and black fruits meld with dark chocolate and cinnamon accents in this well-oaked, nicely concentrated wine. A full body is backed by moderate tannins, giving it more structure and mouthfeel than a typical Merlot. "


Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - "The untrendiness of Merlot is really reflected by this wine. With only one-third as many cases produced as the Cabernet Sauvignon and a higher proportion of new French oak (38% versus 27%), the 2020 Merlot sells for just two-thirds the price. Yet it's a solid effort, with classy hints of pencil shavings framing black cherry fruit. Juicy, fun and easy to drink, it's medium to full-bodied and velvety-textured, with ample length on the finish. "