Excellent depth, concentrated fruit flavors and a snug wrapping of tannins set this wine up nicely for further improvement with age. A vibrant texture and subtle oak spices in the flavor add to its appeal. Additions of Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec totaling 15% enhance complexity and structure. Best from 2026–2033. Editors’ Choice.
Napa Valley Reserve Merlot Reviews
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This is a flavorful, substantive wine. Fully ripe berries and cherries fill up the aroma before a full body, dark chocolate and black cherries take over the palate, backed by moderate tannins.
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Smooth, fruit juicy, tannins tight but will age well.
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Black plum, smooth, varietal, velvety tannins, expresso, classic merlot, comfort wine to sip in front of a fireplace.
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Perfumed aromas of sliced plum, rose petal, black and red cherry and gravel. Medium-to full-bodied with a fine, silky texture. A fruity and powerful wine with lovely depth and concentration. Very nice length here. Best after 2024.
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Gorgeous fruit flavors and tempting chocolate accents draw you in to this rich, ripe and rounded wine. A full body, good concentration and very smooth tannins keep it palatefriendly. Editors’ Choice.
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Perfumed aromas of sliced plum, rose petal, black and red cherry and gravel. Medium-to full-bodied with a fine, silky texture. A fruity and powerful wine with lovely depth and concentration. Very nice length here. Best after 2024.
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Starting with the 2019 Merlot Napa Valley Reserve, which includes 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, from multiple vineyards, it’s medium to full-bodied, round, and mouth-filling, with a charming, darker fruited, chocolaty style that’s a joy to drink. It should keep for 5-7 years, although there’s no need to delay gratification.
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The 2018 Merlot Reserve Napa Valley is a blend of 89% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc, coming from seven different vineyards across Napa Valley. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, it sings of blueberry compote, black cherry preserves and black raspberries with suggestions of menthol, spice cake and pencil lead. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is seductively plush and juicy and layered with plenty of freshness, finishing with a spicy kick. -Lisa Perrotti-Brown
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The 2018 Merlot is a juicy, easygoing wine to drink now and over the next few years. Dark cherry, mocha, chocolate, spice and licorice are nicely woven together in this mid-weight, inviting Merlot from Raymond Vineyards.
-- Antonio Galloni
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Rich, round and finely chewy with notes of raspberry, blueberry, green olive, fennel, sandalwood, chai latte and clove.
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Soft, supple and structured, this wine is richly crafted in pencil shavings and cedar, with denser, fuller flavors of red cherry and raspberry. With a bite of burly power, it contains 9% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Petit Verdot.
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The more serious wines start with the 2014 Merlot Reserve, which is 88% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Malbec. This spent 18 months in a combination of different French cooperage. Another excellent value – as one doesn’t see many Merlots these days that are both outstanding and priced at $25.00. This wine has the classic Merlot character of roast coffee, cocoa, chocolate, black cherry and plum-like fruit. It is medium to full-bodied, plush and ideal for drinking over the next 10-12 years.
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SILVER
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