Red

Merlot

Yountville · Napa · United States

Fact sheet

roast lamb · pork · aged cheeses · grilled red meat · mushroom risotto

201386 pts

Closed aromas make it a challenge at first to get a read on this wine that takes time to unfurl touches of herb and dried fruit. Soft in tannin and low in oak, it offers a depth of black cherry and vanilla on the palate, with a touch of cedar and currant.
201087 pts

Merlot has never been Bell's strong point, and while this is a pretty good one, it's a little rough and sandpapery in the mouth. It has currant, blackberry, tobacco and green tea flavors, and is fully dry. Blended with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, it wants to be opened soon.
200688 pts

This is a nice, easy-drinking Merlot, but it also has enough complexity to pair with a good cut of meat. It's dry and shows stylishly fine tannins that frame rich flavors of blackberries, cherries, licorice and cola.
200484 pts

There's a disagreeable sharpness and harshness to this Merlot. Despite some pleasant cherry, berry and oak flavors and a lush texture, that rough tartness persists through the finish.
200085 pts

Lean and earthy, marked by tobacco, dill and less than ripe cherry flavors. Tannins are tough and gritty. The wine finishes very dry and rasping, showing little fruit. The winemaker seems to have understood the problem here, and added five percent Syrah.