Fine Wines : Merlot

A pronounced spice-blackberry fragrance with a hint of vanilla leads into this wine's full-bodied, velvety palate with flavors of cassis and ripe berries, and notes of licorice and chocolate set in a supple yet firm structure.

With firm tannins and exceptional length, this is a lovely and age-worthy wine that shows how much Merlot can excel in a cooler growing season. The aromas are rich and inviting with layers of amaretto, sweet spice and cedar. On the palate, lush flavors of plum, blackberry and cherry dominate, with the tannins adding structure and depth.

The Hahn Estates Merlot is a bold wine from the start. A deep and rich violet hue sets the stage for a simple swirl which gives way to the nose of this wine that stays true to the classic Merlot varietal with aromatics of plum, black cherry, and blackberry.  Deeply complex, with layers of clove and cracked pepper, it is soft and juicy in the mouth. Red fruit flavors then emerge, while broad tannins and a pleasant light astringency dances around the palate. 

This wine shows balance and is approachable and versatile, with soft tannins and plenty of concentration, deep color, and a long finish. A consistently good Merlot with a loyal following.

This wine begins with a garnet red color in the glass. A potpourri of fresh herbs arrive with the first nose, including thyme, sage, and clove with hints of hawthorn and quince. Swirling the wine once brings the second nose of dark boysenberries and velvety cherries. Distinctly spicy, the palate begins with clove, pepper, and quince, followed by a long, smooth finish with blackberry and moist earth notes, reminiscent of deep woods after the rain. The wine possesses an exceptional acidic balance complemented by soft tannins. Mineral characteristics are just beginning to develop and will, over time, offer additional elegance and complexity.

Packed with deep, dark berry fruit and nuanced hints of cocoa, herb and earth with a soft structure. Its velvety texture makes Merlot instantly appealing and an obvious alternative to similar, more tannic Bordeaux varieties.

The nose on opening is cranberry over plum. Although there is a little heat upfront and some noticeable tannins throughout, what is mostly obvious right away is the blue fruit – plum with hints of black raspberry, with the raspberry growing stronger on the finish. The finish has moderate length. 60 minutes after opening, the plum has taken over the nose, but the raspberry has matched the plum upfront and dominates the finish. The alcohol had also subsided and the tannins sweetened a bit. Overall, this is a very nice, fruit-driven, and balanced wine.

Embodies the characteristics of our unique region, exhibiting the natural flavors that are born from the land.  Aged in French oak, our Estate Merlot is truly unique.  This wine offers lively, concentrated flavors of strawberry and cherry with a well structured finish.

Selected wines from various California counties areblended to provide a Merlot with fresh, intense plum and cherry vanilla aroma. A full, round, ripe berry flavor accompanied by a rather soft, spicy finish make this wine particularly delectable.

Made from 77% merlot and 23% cabernet sauvignon from Rombauer's Napa vineyards, this wine bursts with ripe blueberry, plum and black cherry flavors. A slight spice accentuates the fruit and add depth, while the round finish wraps with a touch of vanilla and cedar, imparted by American and French oak.

Brilliant ruby red hue. Cherry pit, walnut and dried brown herb aromas. Nicely balanced, this has pleasant cherry fruit, moderate oak, youthful tannins and an earthy finish with light herbal notes.

Three Palms Merlot showcases toasty aromas reminiscent of black cherry, vanilla, cinnamon and clove. On the palate it offers flavors of cherry and blueberry, ripe plum, cinnamon, and hints of cocoa. Smooth tannins and a fruity finish linger on the palate. A beautifully balanced wine that will age for many years, this wine marries nicely with hearty meat dishes and savory cheeses like Dry Jack.