2019 Merlot
Napa Valley
90 points, Wine Enthusiast - 2018 vintage
Tony sources Syrah from Dry Creek Valley and Zinfandel from Middletown specifically for this blend as they marry beautifully with this Merlot and bring out the rich character of this delicious expressive Oakville fruit.
Using Syrah and Zinfandel as blenders, adds a dark velvety feel to the lush berry flavor profile of the Merlot. Dense black fruit aromas are followed by blueberry and chocolate flavors, and supple tannins on the palate.
Wine Profile
Vineyard Notes
To create Oberon Merlot, Tony sourced grapes from Napa Valley's renowned Oakville district. The deeper alluvial soils along with the perfect balance of cool mornings and warm afternoons make this are the perfect location for growing Bordeaux varietals. Tony sources Syrah from Dry Creek Valley and Zinfandel from Middletown specifically for this blend as they marry beautifully with this Merlot and bring out the rich character of this delicious expressive Oakville fruit.
Production Notes
The 2019 vintage was a near-perfect growing season with cool weather through July into early August. We then saw ideal warm weather conditions until the last fruit was resting safely under the watchful eyes of winemaking teams all over the Valley. Harvest of our 2019 Merlot began in October and continued through the first week of November, with the long ripening season contributing to the development of beautiful fruit flavors.
Winemaker Notes
To naturally soften tannins and enhance varietal complexity, Tony allowed the grapes to undergo extended maceration. He then pressed the wine and transferred it to French oak barrels (45% new oak) to undergo a long malolactic fermentation for roundness and depth. Using Syrah and Zinfandel as blenders, adds a dark velvety feel to the lush berry flavor profile of the Merlot. Dense black fruit aromas are followed by blueberry and chocolate flavors, and supple tannins on the palate.
Wine Specs
Vintage
2019
Varietal
Merlot
Appellation
Napa Valley
pH
3.56
Alcohol %
13.9