Mission Codename Black is back
Could this be our #1 Merlot of 2020 arriving early in the year? May as well be! Let the Coho madness continue! One of our all-time favorite producers returns with the sleekest release of this Napa Valley single vineyard yet. Like the ripples from this past Valentine’s Day, we are in love all over again, and so you will be. We challenge you to put this up against the sexiest Pomerol you can get your hands on, blind, and try to like the Bordeaux more. It’s an impossibility.
Like a red velvet robe with ever-changing shadows in the light, from ruby to crimson to garnet. Alluring scents of fresh-picked plums and ripe strawberries smothered in the darkest chocolate are truly sublime on the nose. The palate then offers sweet, round, lush tannins with a cocoa powder grip on the blueberry to raspberry fruit spread. Mouthcoating, luxurious and full-bodied, this seriously endowed Merlot goes on and on and on. Calling the finish long is an understatement. For a perfect pairing, try chops! Lamb chops, a pork chop, tomahawk the bone-in ribeye, grilled onions, and peppers too.
From the can’t get enough of the spotlight up and coming Coombsville district known for its perfect soil and climate, this 2014 rendition of the Coho exclusive Michael Black Vineyard Merlot just blew our tasting panel away. Winemaking legend Philip Corallo-Titus of Chappellet and Titus fame concocted an utterly profound and delicious vintage here, as it screams “drink me” from the glass. A massive discount makes the irresistible impossible to resist here. Indulge yourself in this ultimate comfort red. Take your palate out for a joyride, it deserves to be pampered.
Coho always gets big points. While he did not review this particular wine, Antonio Galloni is a perennial fan; “Coho are all big, overt and totally delicious” says he, adding; “I have long enjoyed the Coho wines.” So have we Antonio, so have we!
Tasting Profile
Tasting Profile
Look | Like a red velvet robe with ever-changing shadows in the light, from ruby to crimson to garnet. |
---|---|
Smell | Alluring scents of fresh-picked plums and ripe strawberries smothered in the darkest chocolate. |
Taste | Sweet, round, lush tannins with a cocoa powder grip on the blueberry to raspberry fruit spread. |
Finish | Mouthcoating, luxurious and full-bodied, this seriously endowed Merlot goes on and on and on. |
Pairing | Chops! Lamb chops, a pork chop, tomahawk the bone-in ribeye, grilled onions, and peppers too. |
What the Winery Says
2014 Michael Black Vineyard Napa Valley Merlot
- Winemaker
- Philip Corallo-Titus
- Varietals
- 95% Merlot, 4 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Petit Verdot
- Vintage
- 2014
- Appellation
- Coombsville, Napa Valley
- Vineyard
- Michael Black Vineyard
- Alcohol
- 15.2%
- Aging
- 21 months
- Barrels
- 45% new French oak
- Production
- 14 barrels