One of the great wineries to visit in Napa, Merryvale’s historic building was the first winery built in the Napa Valley after the repeal of Prohibition in 1933 and has become a favorite destination for visitors to the valley. This is a beautiful wine country setting, surrounded by French oak barrels and casks. I’ve enjoyed visiting this beautiful property many times and the surrounding serene vineyards. The property is owned by the Schlatter family. They have been making their ‘Profile’ red blend for many years and this years edition for my palate was the finest one yet!
Winemaker Andrew Wright has crafted a beautiful range of wines. I love the new 2022 ‘Sonoma Coast’ Chardonnay (OB, 92) which is rich and viscous showing off the warmth of the vintage. Learn more at https://www.merryvale.com and here are the beautiful new wines by Merryvale.
2022 Merryvale ‘Sonoma Coast’ Chardonnay- The 2022 ‘Sonoma Coast’ Chardonnay underwent full malolactic fermentation, minimal stirring and sur lie aging for 10 months in 30% new French oak before bottling, Juicy peach and brioche notes mark the palate alongside vanilla cream, baking spices and shades of poached pear. Delicious now, and showing good salty nuance from this region, enjoy over the next six plus years. Drink 2024-2030- 92
2022 Merryvale ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 Merryvale ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir is drinking beautifully right now. Rich red cherry, cola and strawberry notes combine with shades of salty soils on the palate. Medium to full-bodied and soft on the mouth, enjoy now and over the next six to eight years. Drink 2024-2032- 92
2019 Merryvale ‘Profile’ Red Wine- The 2019 ‘Profile’ is a striking blend of almost all Cabernet Sauvignon with just a kiss of Cabernet Franc blended in. The wine was stored for 20 months in 80% new French oak before bottling. Brooding in the glass, this slowly unveils aromatics of pencil lead, creme de cassis, mocha, and scorched earth notes. The palate is refined and ultra-smooth, as this is utterly seamless throughout the drinking experience. Loaded with concentrated black and blue fruit flavors, with graphite and stony accents, this far and away the finest wine I have tasted from this estate. Drink 2024-2044- 96