Napa Valley Reserve Merlot Reviews

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

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

Rich, round and finely chewy with notes of raspberry, blueberry, green olive, fennel, sandalwood, chai latte and clove. 

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. 

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.

SILVER

A blast of ripe cherries, chocolate, brown sugar, roasted coconut and almond flavors. Merlot hardly gets richer than this.