Winemaker’s Notes

Embodying the alluring beauty of great Napa Valley Merlot, this wine reveals vibrant aromas of red currant, ripe plum, black raspberry, cherry, and sweet baking spices, with hints of tea leaves and cocoa. The palate is rich and luxurious, with silky tannins and flavors of ripe red berries, pie crust, and fig compote gliding to a bright, elegant finish.

Blend: 80% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot

Ratings: 93 points James Suckling, 91 points Wilfred Wong

#1 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2017

Winemaker’s Notes

In Napa Valley, the 2014 growing season delivered a third exceptional vintage in a row, yielding wines with ideal concentration, elegant tannins and lovely varietal flavors.

This classic expression of Three Palms Vineyard Merlot displays beautiful layers of dense dark red fruit, cedar, graphite and cream, as well as hints of wet river rock. Pure and polished on the palate, the rich flavors are underscored by firm, structured tannins and subtle sweet oak that will ensure that this stunning Merlot ages wonderfully for years to come.

Blend: 86% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot

Ratings: 95 points Wine Spectator, James Suckling, 94 points Wine Enthusiast

Winemaker’s Notes

Markham's Estate Vineyards provide a third of the fruit for this velvety Napa Valley Merlot. Ripe plum and cherry jam flavors are balanced by spicy oak and lively acidity for which the vintage is known.

Blend: 95% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Malbec

Ratings: 91 points Wilfred Wong, 90 points James Suckling

By Far Niente

Winemaker’s Notes

The 2014 Bear Flat Merlot combines the berry fruits from a warm region with the savory notes of a cooler growing area. The wine opens with aromas of plum, spice, and forest floor. Juicy fruit flavors pop upon entry and are followed by layered notes of cedar, fine herbs, and black olive. The texture is full, yet so smooth and beautifully balanced that the lingering fruit leaves you yearning for the next sip.

Rating: 90 points Cellar Tracker

Winemaker’s Notes

A dark purple in the glass, aromas of black cherry and blueberry compote greet the nose. Flavors of mocha, chocolate and spice spread across the plush palate with suggestion of menthol and spice cake. Full-bodied with juicy tannins, the finish has a nice little spice to it.

Rating: 92 points James Suckling

Winemaker’s Notes

Aromas of fresh, ripe blueberries, blackberries, and boysenberry intertwine with notes of cedar, vanilla, and pie crust. This medium-bodied wine is plush with flavors of plums, blueberries, and figs up front, leading to juicy red fruit on the midpalate. Delicious now, its depth and structure provide long cellaring potential.

Blend: 77% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot

Rating: 91 points Wine Spectator

Winemaker’s Notes

This was a classic Napa Valley vintage filled with warm, sunny days and perfect, chilly nights from spring through early autumn. The consistency of heat and coolness created a model growing season in which we harvested fruit at ideal ripeness brimming with rich color and flavor.

Blend: 87% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec

Ratings: 95 points Wine Advocate, 92 points Wine Spectator

Winemaker’s Notes

Earthy aromas open up into cocoa, blackberry, cedar, and anise. It’s smooth with flavors of cherry, chocolate, vanilla, and a mild toastiness. The finish is long with balanced acidity.

Blend: 80% Merlot; 20% Blend of Syrah, Petite Syrah and Malbec

Rating: 92 points Wine Spectator