One of the great stops 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. Winemaker Andrew Wright has crafted a beautiful range of wines. I love. The 2021 Merryvale ‘Carneros’ Chardonnay (OB, 92) which is wonderfully smooth and has a salty edge. The best wine I tasted and the finest I have ever had from this property, the 2019 Merryvale ‘Profile’ Red Wine (OB, 96) is a seamless, beautiful wine that has a long life head of it. Learn more at https://www.merryvale.com and here are the beautiful new wines by Merryvale.
2021 Merryvale ‘Carneros’ Chardonnay- The 2021 ‘Carneros’ Chardonnay delivers salted peach and pear flavors alongside nutty and earthy accents. Refined and elegant in its structure, tension and smooth mouthfeel, this is drinking marvelously now. Drink 2024-2031- 92
2021 Merryvale ‘Carneros’ Pinot Noir- The 2021 Merryvale ‘Carneros’ Pinot Noir is an outstanding effort that is shining brightly now at the three year mark. Once on the nose this takes on layer of cranberry and volcanic earth that combine with damp earth and salty soil notes. The palate is soft and refined with a silky texture. This is very impressive stuff to consume now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2024-2034- 94
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