Saddleback Cellars
2011 Oakville Estate Napa Valley Merlot
Merlot •Oakville Estate Vineyard
California: Napa Valley: Oakville
Mission Briefing
King of Cab... MERLOT!
Nils Venge, our favorite 100 point winemaker, is back - with his delectable Saddleback Cellars 2011 Oakville Estate Napa Valley Merlot. Don’t let the Merlot label mislead you - this wine is so concentrated and bursting with flavor, we guarantee any Cab fan would love it.
Loaded with concentrated flavors of blackberry, dark cherry, and tobacco leaf, this wine was beloved by our tasting panel. With a level of depth and complexity that’s rare for the varietal, this Merlot had everyone agreeing that the wine could convince even the most particular of palates to give Cab the night off.
At over 26% off, and with a 90 point score, this is a Merlot not to be missed!
Tasting Profile
| Look: | Deep, dark garnet at the center of the glass. Nearly perfectly opaque, with just a touch a lighter red rim. |
|---|---|
| Smell: | Beautifully aromatic, with sweet spiced cherry and sweet plum rounded out by hints of cedar wood shavings, aged tobacco leaf, dark baking spices, and a subtle note of eucalyptus. |
| Taste: | Concentrated and rich, with flavors of blackberry and sweet plum compote, black cherry preserve, sweet tobacco leaf, mocha, and slight vanilla bean. |
| Finish: | Lush and super expressive, the finish is lengthy, with great structure and velvety, grippy tannins. |
| Pairing: | A perfectly roasted full chicken, seasoned inside and out with fresh herbs, sautéed vegetables, and lemon slices. |
What the Winery Says
- Winemaker
- Nils Venge
- Accolades
- 90 Points - Robert Parker (Previous Vintage)
- Appellation
- Oakville, Napa Valley, California
- Vineyard
- Oakville Estate Vineyard
- ABV
- 14.5%