Gold Medal: 2013 Critics Challenge; Deep, dark and dense with aromas of black cherry, cassis and spice. Lush on the palate with layers of black fruit, hazelnut and cocoa. Fantastic!
Deep, dark and dense with aromas of black cherry, cassis, olive, and spice. Lush on the palate with layers of black fruit, hazelnut and cocoa. This wine shows incredible structure for a Merlot and will benefit from a long decant for drinking now or could even be cellared.
Chalk Hill is a terrific appellation for Merlot, the climate is cooler and well suited for earlier ripening Merlot. Lot 356 is sourced from an ultra-premium producer and really, that’s all I can say about that. What I can tell you is winemakers Sam and Mike got in a whole load of trouble for blending in some of our best (and priciest) hillside Napa Cabernet to flesh out this blend. At $20 this wine offers incredible value for near-term enjoyment and outstanding cellaring potential.
Critics Gold 2010 Meritage, Lot 357 Napa Valley Critics Gold 2007 Super Tuscan, Maremma Toscana IGT, Lot 374 Italy Critics Gold 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Lot 338 Napa Valley Critics Gold 2010 Merlot, Lot 356 Chalk Hill