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$49.95
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United States
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Merlot
In stock, 12+ available
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Producer notes: "90% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc. Our Napa Valley Merlot is a complex blend of several individual vineyard lots, incorporating fruit from our Estate Vineyards and from top independent growers throughout the Napa Valley. The final wine is a rich and cohesive expression of the entire Napa Valley, reflecting the varied microclimates and soils of this unique appellation. With firm tannins and exceptional length, this is a lovely and age-worthy wine that shows how much Merlot can excel in a cooler growing season. The aromas are rich and inviting with layers of amaretto, sweet spice and cedar. On the palate, lush flavors of plum, blackberry and cherry dominate, with the tannins adding structure and depth. Barrel aged 15 months in French oak (25% new, 75% second vintage)."
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$38.95
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United States
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Merlot
In stock, 12+ available
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Not yet reviewed; 2009 vintage rated 90 points by Wine Spectator: "Fragrant and supple, showing red currant and toasty vanilla aromas, with ripe flavors of cherry, tomato leaf and cedar. Drink now through 2017. 950 cases made."
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$33.95
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United States
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Merlot
In stock, 12+ available
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List $38.00
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Producer notes: "The 2010 vintage featured a long, cool summer with below average yields allowed us to keep the grapes on the vine deep into the season. Then suddenly the bucolic harvest was interrupted by an unforeseen, intense heat spell that had everyone scrambling to get grapes into the cellar. This sudden flourish to the vintage has imprinted a sultry, seductive character to the otherwise expressive aromatics of deep plum and dark cherry. Flavors of chocolate and blueberries envelope you with their richness yet, with a balanced acidity, never weigh you down. The wine will do nicely with all the traditional Merlot pairings but will especially shine in dishes where you have decided to step it up a bit; a deeper braises, a richer stock, a more concentrated sauce. This is a wine of extraordinary pleasure, one that will be enjoyed for decades to come."
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$69.95
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United States
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Merlot
In stock, 12+ available
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$79.95
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WE 95
WS 93
WA 93
United States
-
Merlot
In stock,
10
available
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95 points Wine Enthusiast: "A classic take on Merlot--this is 100% varietal, and was aged for 15 months in new and neutral French oak barrels and botti. The flavors move through strawberry, raspberry and Bing cherry, with great breadth of flavor and texture throughout. The midpalate is concentrated and full, with a fine, lingering, superclean finish. (Sep 2012)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "Shows real presence and depth, offering a vibrant package of red berry, cherry and black currant, with hints of licorice and herbs as the finish lingers impressively. Cellaring should soften the raw feel and make this something special. Best from 2015 through 2020. 1,500 cases made. (10/15/12)"
93 points David Schildknecht (Wine Advocate): "The Leonetti 2010 Merlot - which, unlike any preceding vintage save for 2000 and 2008, was blended with no other variety - offers a perfect validation of Chris Figgins's intention to render a serious, self-standing wine from this grape capable of starring in Washington if given the right, sufficiently clay-rich and thermally temperate sort of site. Fresh dark cherry and purple plum already announced in the nose take on a delightful primary juiciness and invigoratingly tart fruit skin edge on a fine-grained palate. This is so exuberantly juicy and saliva-stimulating in its long, lip-smacking finish - a feature no doubt enhanced by bottling after only 14 months in barrique, and justifying the release of Leonetti Merlots a year ahead of their other wines - that you can't possibly take just one sip. Piquant fruit pit, crushed stone, and peat add interest and stimulation to an energetic yet lusciously ripe and richly-textured effort whose longevity will, I predict, surprise most wine lovers (perhaps even its authors?) and extend for more than a dozen years. The intended Merlot self-sufficiency on exhibit here is furthered by Figgins' increasing reliance on grapes from their relatively cool, long-ripening Mill Creek Upland Vineyard, with fruit from Seven Hills or Loess more apt to end up being selectively blended into their other reds or sold off. (Dec 2012)"
Producer notes: "Dense, dark, and lush but with amazing focus and levity. Loaded with dark blue and black fruits. Gorgeous high tone aromatics are reminiscent of brambleberry reduction compote. Long and plush on the palate, but with a fine grained tannin structure and brilliant acidity from the epic 2010 vintage. This may be the finest Merlot in Leonetti’s history. I am completely enamored by the complexity of this wine. The cool vintage gives such restraint to the opulence of the fruit. This wine will drink well upon release but age for many years to come. 1,500 cases. Barrel aged 15 months in new and neutral French oak barrels and neutral French oak botti."
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$69.95
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WS 93
United States
-
Merlot
In stock,
4
available
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93 points Wine Spectator: "A supple texture wraps around a complex and dense core, with aromas of currant, mocha and fresh coffee bean leading to layered flavors of plum, spicy espresso and dill. Hands off for now if you can resist. Best from 2014 through 2020. 50 cases made. (2013)"
Producer notes: "2010 was another rock 'n roll vintage for Merlot. Like 'Cherry Garcia' ice cream this wine is absolutely rich and delicious with far-out black cherry fruit and a kaleidoscope of mind-bending aromas like cookie dough, caramel, cinnamon-mocha, and toasty oak spice. You'll be grateful for the natural acid and supple tannin that keeps everything real and ensures a long, great trip. 50 cases produced."
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$24.95
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United States
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Merlot
In stock,
7
available
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List $30.00
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Producer notes: "[$30 list] The 2010 vintage Marilyn Merlot is the 26th annual production of this respected wine. This year’s release is a blend of 94% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon from grapes grown and fermented in the Napa Valley. The wine's color is vibrantly garnet and the complex aromas of blueberries, anise and toasty oak all work in harmony for a wine worthy of its legacy. Moderate alcohol, soft fruit flavors and a lingering finish makes this wine a great companion with foods of many cuisines. Vineyard locations for this wine are from our longtime grower associates in the Yountville and Oakville regions of the Napa Valley. Alcohol: 13.9%."
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$71.95
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WA 93
WE 91
United States
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Merlot
In stock, 12+ available
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List $80.00
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93 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$80 list] A firm core of tannins provides the underlying structure for the 2010 Merlot. This juicy, dark, yet wonderfully sophisticated and polished wine impresses for its balance and overall sense of harmony. The 2010 is impossibly young now, and it needs time, but is hugely promising. Layers of fruit flow effortlessly to the long, voluptuous finish. The blend is 89% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. (Dec 2012)"
91 points Wine Enthusiast: "An exceptionally well-structured, elegant Merlot that would have been better if not for the vintage, which was less than stellar. Not fully ripe, the wine shows herb- and tobacco-influenced black cherry, blackberry, red currant and oak flavors, with complex notes of licorice, bacon and black pepper. Distinguished, but not an ager. Now-2011. Alcohol 15.2%. (Mar 2010)"
Producer notes: "89% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot. Regal dark purple in hue, our 2010 Merlot offers silky aromas of violets and mountain boysenberry with hints of cinnamon and clove. A firm, structured core promises superb aging, while the wine’s rich, layered flavors and sensuous finish make it hard to resist now. Barrel aged 18 months in French oak (80% new). Alcohol 15.2%."
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$17.95
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United States
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Merlot
In stock, 12+ available
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List $20.00
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Producer notes: "The name Parcel 41 is derived from the original agriculture land assessor's plot number for our ranch in Napa Valley, California. Our limited production Merlot is enormously rich, ripe and concentrated showing layers of blackberry, currant and mocha. Merlot grapes are typically more difficult to grow than Cabernet Sauvignon, which is why the best Merlots are often more expensive. Therefore, the goal with Parcel 41 was to make a Merlot that is supple and elegant, yet still has the structure, depth and richness you find in more expensive offerings. 96% Merlot, 4% Syrah. 100% Napa Valley (50% hillside, 50% valley floor fruit) Barrel aged 16 months in 100% French oak (2 year old barrels). Alcohol 14.5%."
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$57.95
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WA 90
United States
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Merlot
In stock, 12+ available
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90 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "This year, the 2010 Merlot is the most fragrant and lightest of the entry-level wines at Pride. Sweet red cherries, dried flowers, tobacco and spices all waft from the glass of this delicate, fragrant wine, which is best suited for near and mid-term drinking. The 2010 Merlot is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. (Dec 2012)"
Producer notes: "This wine is not shy: heady notes of bright blue fruit burst forth before even lifting the glass. Blueberry, blackberry and dark black cherry notes saturate the palate, revealing a thick, dense wine with plenty of stuffing and a bit more weight and extraction than our lovely 2009. 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Alcohol 14.5%."
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$28.95
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WA 90
United States
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Merlot
In stock, 12+ available
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90 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "This year, the 2010 Merlot is the most fragrant and lightest of the entry-level wines at Pride. Sweet red cherries, dried flowers, tobacco and spices all waft from the glass of this delicate, fragrant wine, which is best suited for near and mid-term drinking. The 2010 Merlot is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. (Dec 2012)"
Producer notes: "This wine is not shy: heady notes of bright blue fruit burst forth before even lifting the glass. Blueberry, blackberry and dark black cherry notes saturate the palate, revealing a thick, dense wine with plenty of stuffing and a bit more weight and extraction than our lovely 2009. 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Alcohol 14.5%."
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$24.95
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WA 93
CG 93
WS 92
United States
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Merlot
In stock,
7
available
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93 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "A delicious entry-level wine, the 2010 Merlot is rich, boisterous and loaded with fruit. Freshly cut flowers, sweet red berries, mint and spices all make an appearance in this flashy, exuberant red. The vibrancy of the vintage works to balance some of the wine’s natural overtness. Clean, saline notes add an attractive briskness to the finish. This is a gorgeous wine that makes a compelling case for Merlot-based wines in Napa Valley. The 2010 is 84% Merlot, 10% Cabernet and 6% Malbec, a variety that seems to add a little extra juiciness, always welcome in a wine meant to be enjoyed upon release. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. (Dec 2012)"
93 points Connoisseurs' Guide: "There is nothing about this very juicy, many-layered Merlot to suggest that the 2010 vintage posed real problems for many in achieving adequate ripeness, and, true to the Shafer style, it is a rich, fully-fleshed, deeply fruity wine with enormous savor and depth. Its central themes of ripe cherries merge with elements of caramel, vanilla and toasted brioche, and its generous flavors go on and on. In truth, there is plenty about this bottling that is sure to tempt early drinking, but it is far from fully evolved, and as Shafer Merlots and Cabernets have proved over the years, being wholly delicious when young in no way precludes being even better with age. (Mar 2013)"
92 points Wine Spectator: "Supple, elegant and beautifully focused, with aromas of red currant and toasty vanilla that lead to ripe but sleek and layered flavors of black cherry, cinnamon and black tea. Tannins sneak in on the finish. Drink now through 2017. (7/31/12)"
92 points California Grapevine: "Medium-dark ruby color with purplish tinges; attractive, forward, plummy, spicy, complex, ripe cherry, red currant, and blackberry fruit aroma that developed with airing in the glass; full body; big, rich, concentrated, plush, plummy, red and black fruit flavors with good depth and a velvety mouthfeel; full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Very appealing to taste now, though also well balanced and firmly structured for another five years of bottle aging. Very highly recommended. 15.3% alcohol; blended with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Malbec; released November 2012. (Feb 2013)"
92 points Anthony Dias Blue (The Tasting Panel): "Dense, dark and ripe with lavish plum and cassis fruit; rich and meaty with smooth, velvety texture and lovely balance; long and deep. 84% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec. (Feb 2013)"
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$48.95
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WA 93
CG 93
WS 92
United States
-
Merlot
In stock, 12+ available
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93 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "A delicious entry-level wine, the 2010 Merlot is rich, boisterous and loaded with fruit. Freshly cut flowers, sweet red berries, mint and spices all make an appearance in this flashy, exuberant red. The vibrancy of the vintage works to balance some of the wine’s natural overtness. Clean, saline notes add an attractive briskness to the finish. This is a gorgeous wine that makes a compelling case for Merlot-based wines in Napa Valley. The 2010 is 84% Merlot, 10% Cabernet and 6% Malbec, a variety that seems to add a little extra juiciness, always welcome in a wine meant to be enjoyed upon release. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. (Dec 2012)"
93 points Connoisseurs' Guide: "It seems that Shafer can be counted on year in and year out for some of the richer, well-filled Merlots to be had, and this latest, while not wanting for ripeness, stands again with the best of the vintage. It leads with very deep aromas of black cherries, root beer and sweet cream, and its very like-minded flavors are as concentrated as they are juicy. Some might quibble about a touch of eleventh-hour heat, but we find it a small price to pay for this kind of richness and real fruity depth. (Sep 2012)"
92 points Wine Spectator: "Supple, elegant and beautifully focused, with aromas of red currant and toasty vanilla that lead to ripe but sleek and layered flavors of black cherry, cinnamon and black tea. Tannins sneak in on the finish. Drink now through 2017. (7/31/12)"
92 points California Grapevine: "Medium-dark ruby color with purplish tinges; attractive, forward, plummy, spicy, complex, ripe cherry, red currant, and blackberry fruit aroma that developed with airing in the glass; full body; big, rich, concentrated, plush, plummy, red and black fruit flavors with good depth and a velvety mouthfeel; full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Very appealing to taste now, though also well balanced and firmly structured for another five years of bottle aging. Very highly recommended. 15.3% alcohol; blended with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Malbec; released November 2012. (Feb 2013)"
92 points Anthony Dias Blue (The Tasting Panel): "Dense, dark and ripe with lavish plum and cassis fruit; rich and meaty with smooth, velvety texture and lovely balance; long and deep. 84% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec. (Feb 2013)"
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