I’m not sure if anyone loves Merlot more than we do here at Markham Vineyards? Our dedication goes all the way back to 1980 when our very first Merlot was made from Nathan Fay’s grapes in the Stag’s Leap District. It led to growing Merlot on all of our estate ranches and continues to be 30% of our vineyard portfolio. Our 2014 celebrates its 35th bottling in all the cherry pie goodness for which it has been known!
From the winemaker – “A true Napa Valley blend of vineyards! Our Estate vineyards provide the backbone for the blend, totaling 50% of this bottling. Merlot from Oak Knoll gives sour cherry character while the Yountville components provide the classic Bing cherry aromas and flavors for which our Merlot is known. The
jammy notes come from blending in warmer up-valley fruit from Calistoga vineyards. Much care is taken to maximize the filtered light and allow the Merlot to hang freely within the canopy during harvest. This allows the fruit to mature and color evenly, leaving any vegetal hints behind. The wines are sent to barrels as individual lots to mature, allowing for greater understanding of the direct impact of our viticultural and fermentation practices each vintage.”
Rating:
This wine was given a 89 point rating by Wine Spectator.
Our founder Joe Martin was the first grower to plant Merlot in Sonoma Valley. Merlot thrives in this picturesque valley where warm days are cooled by evening breezes and fog from the Pacific Ocean. The grapes in our Sonoma Valley Merlot come from our Certified Sustainable Estate Behler and Wild Oak vineyards, as well as from top growers throughout the area. Each carefully selected vineyard contributes distinctive and individual qualities to the finished wine.
Azienda Agricola Rocca Giovanni consists of 22 hectares of vineyards in Monforte d’Alba, stationed in several parts of the village. All the most prestigious and earthly areas and zones of the Langhe belong to the family for three generations, and they have kept their form and position throughout the years.
Estancia relies on the benefits of boutique-style winemaking techniques, including whole-cluster fermentation, gentle punch downs, and basket pressing. Our Monterey-based winery uses gentle gravity flow systems to minimize aggressive tannins and bitterness. It is this hands-on crafting of the wines—from grapes to bottle—that results in our consistent and superior wine quality.
From the winemaker – “A ‘whole greater than the sum of its parts,’ the Meritage is the result of the special synergy that is formed when everything comes together perfectly – in this case: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Layers of dark fruit, cassis, leather and rich earth weave together to create a complex and juicy wine. Ripe tannins and oak aging lend depth and texture, highlighted by vanilla and mocha spice.”
Primarius Pinot Nior represents Oregon’s finest cool climate regions and are a true reflection of the state’s most famed varietal, Pinot Noir. Made up of 95% Pinot Noir and 5% Syrah.
From the Wine Maker – “The McManis Family Vineyards Pinot Noir is light purple in color with a lustrous hue. Fresh Cherry, Strawberry and Raspberry flavors are perceptible as the round silky wine passes through the mouth. Vanilla undertones, lent to the wine from oak aging, are perceptible in the clean, but supple finish. Ripe Strawberry, Cherry and Raspberry aromas are joined by a cream and Vanilla bouquet.”
The 2016 vintage was widely acclaimed as one of the most ideal growing seasons during the last decade. Consistently moderate weather throughout the season yielded balanced chemistry in the grapes and a bountiful crop.
The Guado al Tasso estate is located approximately 50 miles (80 kilometers) to the southwest of Florence near Bolgheri, a medieval hamlet in the upper Maremma area of the Tuscan coast. The estate extends for some 2500 acres (1000 hectares) from the Tyrrhenian sea to the inland hills and includes, in addition to 750 acres (300 hectares) of vineyards, olive groves and fields of wheat, corn, and sunflowers. The wine takes its name from Scalabrone, a bandit who lived in the area in the early 19th century, a sort of local Robin Hood who attacked ships in the port and canal of Bolgheri.
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