AVA: Napa Valley, 2022 is mainly from Coombsville. Finished after 30 months (2.5 years) of barrel aging in 50% French and 50% American barrels. Bright black cherry and raspberry aromas overflow with hints of tobacco leaves. The subtle barrel aroma and soft tannins give the wine a long, elegant finish that impresses with its Merlot character. Thanks to the long barrel aging period, it is now at a good drinking age, and the true value of Merlot can be further enhanced by serving it at a slightly lower temperature with slightly sweet dishes.
What are the elements required for a Merlot that is typical of Napa Valley?
Of course it depends on the price, but so what?
Deep color, mellow mouthfeel, mellow, soft and full-bodied flavor, fine, smooth and gentle tannins, mild astringency and rich flavor, silky smooth aftertaste, easy drinking and rich fruitiness, a gentle flavor that everyone will love... etc.
Napa Highlands Merlot is made through close collaboration with Napa Valley grape growers, selecting superior Merlot grapes from highly acclaimed AVAs throughout Napa Valley to create a wine that is truly uniquely Napa Valley Merlot.
Calistoga, St. Helena, Rutherford and Yountville grapes are blended depending on the vintage.
Vintage Information
In 2022, the grapes harvested before the extremely hot weather in mid-September had perfect acidity and freshness, while the grapes harvested after that had a great structure, deep color, and luxurious fruitiness and power. The exquisite blend of these two creates a well-balanced finish.
Technical information
Winemaking: The grapes are gently crushed and then left to soak for 48 hours in cold storage to slowly develop the aromas and colours, before the main fermentation begins.
After the main fermentation is complete, further maceration is carried out with the stems of the grapes to add a mellow fruitiness.
After gentle pressing, the wine is finished with 18 months of barrel aging in 50% French and 50% American barrels.
Tasting Comments
The 2022 vintage catches the eye with its deep purple hue, characteristic of Napa Valley Merlot, and the aromas overflow from the glass.
It is full of vibrant black cherry and raspberry aromas, with a subtle hint of tobacco leaf.
The mellow fruitiness reminiscent of American cherry and dark chocolate spreads throughout the mouth, while the subtle aroma of the oak and soft tannins create a long, elegant finish, leaving an impression of Merlot.
The soft flavor from barrel aging makes it a good match with food, and Merlot's true value is further enhanced when served at a slightly lower temperature with a sweet sauce.
It goes well with Chinese cuisine, meatballs, spare ribs, loco moco, hamburger steak, grilled meat with sweet sauce, and roast duck with sweet sauce.
Field Information
The 2022 Merlot is made mainly from grapes from the Coombsville region, a southern region of Napa Valley that has been much talked about in recent years. Although it is a cool region overall, Merlot itself is a variety that ripens early, so the grapes that ripen slowly in a stable climate have a very rich flavor. In addition, because grapes from Carneros are also blended, it has excellent acidity and a wonderful balance between the richness of the fruit and the concentrated tannins, and contains the elements to create a fresh wine that you will never tire of drinking.
Vintage: 2022
Capacity: 750ml
Type: Red wine
Taste: Full-bodied
Main variety: 100% Merlot
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: California
AVA: Napa Valley
Fields: Mainly Coombsville
Vinification: Cold soak for 48 hours
Aging: 18 months in 50% French and 50% American barrels
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 14.5%
JAN: 86754603728