Flora Springs, Napa Valley (California) Merlot 2013

It’s not often you see the words Napa Valley and value in the same sentence, but when you do there’s a good chance it has something to do with Merlot, which doesn’t command nearly the level of respect (nor should it) that Napa Valley Cabernet does. That said, there are any number of producers that make solid Merlot vintage after vintage, and Flora Springs is one of them. The 2013 is ripe and lush, a crowd-pleaser that shows attractive aromas of red currant, blueberry and cedar, with a dash of spice on the finish. Made to enjoy now, but certainly able to improve over the next five to eight years in the cellar.