Saddleback Cellars
2007 Napa Valley Merlot
Merlot
California: Napa Valley
Mission Briefing
Highest Marks
Nils Venge holds an important distinction; he was the first California winemaker to receive a perfect 100 point score (from Robert Parker). Since then, only a small handful of California winemakers have attained this level of recognition.
It is with great glee, today, that we welcome back Nils - and his stupendous 2007 Napa Valley Merlot. This wine, from the 96 point 2007 vintage, is sourced from the winery’s own Oakville estate vineyards and from a vineyard that was, immediately after harvest, sold to Duckhorn.
This delicious wine is a very well-structured Merlot with loads of chewy flavors and complexity. Quantity is limited for this very highly recommended wine so please act quickly.
Tasting Profile
| Look: | Deep, dark and opaque with sanguine hues that give the wine an intriguing look. |
|---|---|
| Smell: | Dark fruit of ripe blackberry, black plum and braised mission fig meld with sandalwood, pipe tobacco, dried dark rose petal, cracked leather and a hint of eucalyptus. |
| Taste: | Smoky, dusty and dark with braised plum, cassis, dark raisin, roasted mission fig, dark tobacco, subtle mixed baking spice. |
| Finish: | Chewy and very long lasting, with pronounced black fruit that lingers, gradually yielding to even longer-lasting spice, tobacco and dried earth components. |
| Pairing: | Merlot is one of the most universally pairable wine, but we’ll enjoy this wine a grilled New York steak smothered with crimini mushrooms. |