Peter Franus, Napa Valley (California) Merlot 2022 ($45)

Peter Franus is a true craftsman among vintners. His wines are not only full of flavor as one expects from California, but also finely balanced. Founded in 1987, the winery has received its greatest notoriety for fine Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon from Mt. Veeder. The Peter Franus 2022 Merlot should get equal praise, however, because it is truly exceptional. The grape source is the Stewart Vineyard in the cooler Carneros region – a spot the Merlot grape obviously loves. The nose shows ripe blackberry, plum and cherry fruits backed by hints of herbs, coffee, vanilla and baking spice. The flavors are lively and bright, with black plum and cherry fruit followed by subtleties of mint, vanilla and baking spice. It is sleek and silky on the palate with an elegance and lift that sets it apart from other Merlots and makes it a truly stellar rendition.
94 Wayne Belding