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$15.99
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WE 87
United States
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Merlot
In stock, 12+ available
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List $20.00
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87 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$20 list] A lovely Merlot, soft and supple. Shows a fine balance of cherry fruit, herbs and sweet oak, with modest alcohol and dusty tannins. Very nice and elegant. (Dec 2009)"
Producer notes: "Anyone who thinks Merlot is a lightweight has never tried this one. The 2007 is a well-structured wine with the kind of characteristics often ascribed to Cabernet. Those characteristics are the result of the unique qualities of the five vineyards on the valley's southern end that provided the fruit for the 2007. The heavier soils in each of the vineyard sites allowed the fruit to ripen slowly and develop a wide range of flavors. What you will find here is a lush Merlot with aromas of black cherry, plum, blackberry and cassis. In the glass are big flavors of plum, vanilla and dark cherry. On those occassions when you are about to reach for a Cab to serve with a particular dish, try this Merlot. You'll be surprised how good a partner it is."
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$7.99
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United States
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Merlot
In stock, 12+ available
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Producer notes: "Ariel 2007 California Merlot offers all of the benefits of a red wine, with less than half of one percent alcohol. The grapes were grown in San Luis Obispo county, from vineyards known for superior Merlot production. Ariel California Merlot has aromas of cherry, raspberry and cassis, combined with a white chocolate, clove and oak bouquet from the barrel aging. At its optimum maturity two years after bottling, it can be enjoyed immediately or held for up to seven years. Ariel Merlot is the ideal accompaniment to beef, lamb and wild game dishes."
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$21.99
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United States
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Merlot
In stock, 12+ available
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Producer notes: "90% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot. The 2007 vintage is accessible and balanced to accompany with a wide range of dishes. This vintage of Merlot is concentrated, with smoky oak notes from a mix of mostly French and a bit of American barrels. The flavors and aromas are forward, perfumed plush red fruit, and ripe without being overpowering -- a wine that compliments food. There is also a touch of cedar from the oak barrels. The combination of structure, depth and richness makes this 2007 Merlot drinkable now but it could easily age if you can wait. 415 cases produced."
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$49.99
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United States
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Merlot
In stock, 12+ available
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Producer notes: "Our 2007 Merlot boasts richly fruity aromas of ripe black plum and cherry fruit, complemented by savory roasted herb and toasted oak scents. Soft and open on the palate, with a round, luxurious texture and supple, seamless tannins, the wine’s lush black cherry and plum flavors culminate in a long, delectable finish brightened by a youthfully flinty, mineral-y tone. Sumptuous, elegant and beautifully balanced, this classic Napa Valley Merlot makes delicious drinking now, but will profit from another 2-3 years of bottle age. 90% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Malbec. Barrel aged 18 months in French oak (42% new). Alcohol 14.2%."
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$5.99
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United States
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Merlot
In stock, 12+ available
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Light and refreshing with currant and blackberry flavors. Soft with layers of cherry and bright cedar.
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$32.99
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United States
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Merlot
In stock,
11
available
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83% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon. 290 cases produced.
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$26.99
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United States
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Merlot
In stock,
5
available
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Producer notes: "The 2007 Merlot opens with fresh cherry and currant aromas which are underscored with subtle notes of chocolate. Ripe flavors of cherry, cassis and plum are laced with hints of dried herbs and cigar box. The wine’s connection to its Rutherford appellation is reflected in the understated essence of earth and dust. Generous and plump, this wine’s lush texture is balanced with a delicate acidity that promises a long, memorable finish. Perfect with your favorite steak or roast duck"
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$24.99
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United States
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Merlot
In stock,
6
available
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Not yet reviewed. 2006 vintage rated 90 points by Wine & Spriits: "A big, rich red with tart cherry flavors and sweet tannins, this finishes clean. For hanger steak and fries."
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$49.99
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RP 91
United States
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Merlot
In stock, 12+ available
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List $60.00
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91 points Robert Parker: "[$60 list] The 2007 Merlot is a sumptuous, round, silky, generous, delicious effort offering plenty of berry fruit, mocha, and chocolatey undertones. Like so many wines that have emerged from this Spring Mountain vineyard, it offers delicious drinking. Enjoy it over the next 7-8 years. (Dec 2009)"
Producer notes: "Complex aromas of black berry fruits, black stone fruits, chocolate, tobacco, spice and floral notes with a mineral overtone. On the palate the wine has a big silky mouth feel, well balanced, with flavors of berries, fruit, cocoa, cassis, and spice, and a long spicy finish. Fruit tannins are big, but not harsh and are well integrated with the strong fruit component."
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$54.99
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WS 94
RP 92
CG 92
United States
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Merlot
In stock, 12+ available
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94 points Wine Spectator: "Lush and rich, yet impeccably structured, with bold red currant and toasty mocha aromas and layered flavors of ripe plum, loamy earth and spice, finishing with big but ripe tannins. Drink now through 2015. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. (6/15/10)"
92 points Robert Parker: "The 2007 Merlot, which comes from both Napa and Sonoma fruit (the Pride Mountain vineyards are split by the county line), exhibits a dense purple color as well as abundant chocolate and berry fruit notes, medium to full body, and great freshness, length, and depth. It is a heady, succulent style of Merlot to drink over the next 7-10 years. (Dec 2009)"
92 points Connoisseurs' Guide: "From its intense, deeply filled aromas of caramel, chocolate, ripe berries, tobacco and coffee to its dramatic and highly extracted flavors, this wine goes right to the brink in terms of richness and power without quite going over the edge. It is hefty stuff by any and all standards, but it is overly heavy and is nicely balanced for the big wine that it is. Its slightly abrasive, tannin-laced finish tags it as one to let rest in the cellar, but its potential for five or more years of growth is beyond question. (Mar 2010)"
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$38.99
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United States
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Merlot
In stock,
1
available
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Producer notes: "Rich, concentrated aromas of deep black plum and gingerbread, with a hint of black licorice and cinnamon. Vibrant cherry flavors on a full tilt youthful tannic structure... This Merlot is packed with flavor and texture that has the durability of long term ageing."
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$10.99
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United States
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Merlot
In stock,
2
available
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List $17.00
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'Best Buy', Wine & Spirits: "[$17 list] A blueberry-scented merlot, this simple wine follows a relatively thin red line of flavor through the finish. A light red for people who like a glass before dinner. (Apr 2010)"
Producer notes: "Our Napa Valley Merlot displays lush aromas and silky flavors of ripe black cherry, plum and mocha. On the palate the wine demonstrates those same fruit flavors with an integrated mid-palate of sweet oak and tannins that finishes with a lingering and full finish. 90% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot."
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$21.99
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WS 92
RP 90
IWC 90
United States
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Merlot
In stock,
5
available
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92 points Wine Spectator: "Dark and muscular, with blackberry and graphite aromas and youthful, concentrated black cherry and mocha fruit that show notes of roasted herb, with a hint of game. (4/30/10)"
90 points Robert Parker: "The 2007 Merlot (a 10,000-case cuvee that includes 15% Cabernet Sauvignon) may be the finest Merlot I have ever tasted from Shafer. Reasonably priced for a Napa Valley Merlot, it is characterized by elegance and substance. Its dark ruby/purple hue is followed by notes of wood spice, forest, flowers, berries, mocha, and wood smoke, medium to full body, sweet tannins, and good freshness. Enjoy it over the next 12+ years. (Dec 2009)"
90 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Moderately saturated red-ruby. Restrained but nuanced nose offers plum, redcurrant, tobacco and nutty oak. A nicely balanced, penetrating midweight with modest flesh but a silky texture and intriguing, understated redcurrant and mocha flavors. This young wine relies as much on its acids as on its suave tannins for structure. Finishes with good persistence and subtle soil tones. (May/Jun 2010)"
90 points Connoisseurs' Guide: "15% Cabernet Sauvignon. Very ripe, very sweet and awash in very obvious oak, this outgoing wine embraces the Shafer style to a "tee". It is full, fat and fleshy on the palate with layers of mocha, black cherries, vanilla and cream running its length, but it is also a bit hot at the finish with a rise in last-minute tannins that says it would be wise to set it aside for a few years despite its many immediate appeals. (Mar 2010)"
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$43.99
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WS 92
RP 90
IWC 90
United States
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Merlot
In stock, 12+ available
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92 points Wine Spectator: "Dark and muscular, with blackberry and graphite aromas and youthful, concentrated black cherry and mocha fruit that show notes of roasted herb, with a hint of game. (4/30/10)"
90 points Robert Parker: "The 2007 Merlot (a 10,000-case cuvee that includes 15% Cabernet Sauvignon) may be the finest Merlot I have ever tasted from Shafer. Reasonably priced for a Napa Valley Merlot, it is characterized by elegance and substance. Its dark ruby/purple hue is followed by notes of wood spice, forest, flowers, berries, mocha, and wood smoke, medium to full body, sweet tannins, and good freshness. Enjoy it over the next 12+ years. (Dec 2009)"
90 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Moderately saturated red-ruby. Restrained but nuanced nose offers plum, redcurrant, tobacco and nutty oak. A nicely balanced, penetrating midweight with modest flesh but a silky texture and intriguing, understated redcurrant and mocha flavors. This young wine relies as much on its acids as on its suave tannins for structure. Finishes with good persistence and subtle soil tones. (May/Jun 2010)"
90 points Connoisseurs' Guide: "15% Cabernet Sauvignon. Very ripe, very sweet and awash in very obvious oak, this outgoing wine embraces the Shafer style to a "tee". It is full, fat and fleshy on the palate with layers of mocha, black cherries, vanilla and cream running its length, but it is also a bit hot at the finish with a rise in last-minute tannins that says it would be wise to set it aside for a few years despite its many immediate appeals. (Mar 2010)"
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