For this wine, winemaker Jason Moulton added 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc. He favors a cold soak before a warm fermentation with frequent pump-overs. The blend was aged in French oak (35% new) for 20 months, and then bottled un-fined and un-filtered. All that work and fuss paid off, as this is an absolutely stunning Merlot, one that’s rich and complex but still true to the variety. It has a deep garnet color and displays a bouquet of dark plum with a hint of cranberry and walnut. Full and round on entry, it is mouth-coating and savory with flavors of youthful dark fruit along with light oak and gentle tannins. With a suggestion of dried herbs poking through in the finish, there is a lot going on here. Enjoy now and over the next 4 to 5 years.
95 Norm Roby
Whitehall Lane Winery, Napa Valley (California) Merlot 2021 ($40)
By Norm Roby
