Purple-black fruit flavors center this merlot, while scents of coffee and tar build off the tannins at the edges. The structure, still youthfully tart, could use a year or two in bottle to mellow. Or decant tit to serve with grilled sirloin.

Our 2009 Merlot was awarded a rating of 90 points in the June 2013 issue of Wine and Spirits Magazine.

Best Cakebread Merlot we’ve tasted: supple, full bodied, and ripely flavored (blueberry, cherry), with toasty, oaky overtones. Very long, smooth finish. Aged 18 months in French oak, 38% new. [2013-2016]

Acclaimed wine industry journalist has rated our 2009 Merlot, Napa Valley with 4 stars.

Our 2009 Merlot comes from grapes of our vineyards of the Napa Valley that display ripe black cherry and plum compote aromas complemented by enticing tea-leaf, toasted vanilla and woodsy scents. Plush, rich and juicy on the palate, its densely concentrated black cherry, dark plum and pomegranate flavors are supported by fine-grained tannins and a long, sumptuous finish graced by savory spice and mocha tones. This is an irresistibly lush Merlot of great depth, length and suppleness.

The judges of the 2012 San Diego International Wine Competition have awarded our 2009 Merlot a Gold medal.