Napa Cellars Merlot 2018
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Wine Specs
Vintage
2018
Varietal
Merlot
Appellation
Napa Valley
Harvest Date
October 1– 24, 2018
Acid
0.55 g/100mL
pH
3.66
Aging
15 months, 36% new oak (100% French)
Alcohol %
14.2
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
The 2018 Napa Cellars Merlot boasts aromas of dark fruit, rich black cherry, blackberry,
red plum and notes of graphite, violets, toffee and spice on the nose. Flavors of dark
berries with black cherry, dark chocolate, brown sugar and caramel are complemented
by notes of vanilla, smoky tobacco and soft leather. This approachable wine showcases a
medium to full-bodied palate with well-structured tannin and balanced acidity through
a long finish.
Vineyard Notes
Grapes for the 2018 Napa Cellars Merlot are sourced from vineyards mainly from the
mid-southern parts of Napa Valley, including Oak Knoll, along with a small portion
from St. Helena and Carneros. These regions are ideal for cultivating Merlot grapes with
moderate to cool climates that support a extended growing season, resulting in elegant,
intricate, complex and balanced wine.
Vineyard Notes
Once harvested, the grapes underwent a 10 to 16 day maceration period and were
fermented using the délestage method. This process allows the winemaker to extract
copious amounts of color and flavor from the skins, while avoiding excessive extraction
of bitter and astringent flavors. After the fermentation process completed, the wine was
aged for 15 months in 100% French oak barrels, 36% of which were new.
Winemaker Notes
The 2018 growing season offered superlative growing conditions with abundant rain at
the beginning of the year. Plenty of sunshine and moderate temperatures throughout the
spring and summer led up to a harvest with great crop quality.
Other Notes
Composition: 91% Merlot, 9% Syrah
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