2017 Flora Springs Merlot, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review

Another in a fine line of Napa Merlot's from Flora Springs. Merlot ripens earlier than Cabernet allowing the vineyard manager to let fruit hang if needed to get ripe. No issues here despite a less than stellar growing season. Purple in color, ruby at the rim. The nose has black cherries, milk chocolate and spice. A nice silky texture. Lots of black cherry fruit. Light tannins. This is still young but drinks quite easy. It will mature a bit, but is drinking great now. It should drink well over the next seven to ten years. Great on its own or a nice match for burgers or ribs.

Grade:

A-

Score:

Vintage:

2017

Current Price:

$38.00USD

2016 Flora Springs Merlot, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review

Vintage:

2016

Score:

Grade:

A-

Current Price:

$29.99USD

Despite what you may think, Sideways didn't kill the California Merlot market as much as it made Pinot Noir stylish. There are still some fine Merlots being made. Purple in color, ruby at the rim. The nose has a nice chocolate covered cherry quality to it. Some spice as well. On the palate, this takes about thirty minutes of air to open and then drinks very well. It is more expressive (right now) on the palate with milk chocolate covered cherries and a nice vanilla streak. Not candied as much as liqueur notes. Good balance. Nice finish. This drinks very well on its own and would b

2016 Flora Springs Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, USA, California, Wine Review

Vintage:

2016

Score:

Grade:

A-

Current Price:

$50.00USD

Looking for an outstanding Napa Cabernet for $50? This one fits just fine. This is drinking just great right now but will easily last a decade. 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 3% Malbec,1% Petit Verdot. Purple in color. The nose is great with cassis, a bit of pencil lead, coffee and a slight dusty note. On the palate, this has medium tannins. Great balance. Plenty of cassis fruit over a dry earthy note. Good finish. This will go well with a variety of heavier dishes from BBQ to roasts.

2016 Plumpjack Merlot Napa Valley, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review

Vintage:

2016

Score:

Grade:

Current Price:

$70.00USD

This is an exceptional California Merlot. Purple in color, ruby at the rim. The nose has cherries, slight plums, chocolate, cedar and spice. Full bodied. On the palate, cherries, milk chocolate, smoke and spice. Medium tannins. Still very primary, this should continue to mature for the next five to ten years and be good for another ten after that. Drinks great on its own, it would work well with a burger or roast.

2003 Paloma Merlot, USA, California, Napa, Spring Mountain, Wine Review

Vintage:

2003

Score:

Grade:

Current Price:

$25.00USD

Time has been quite kind to this wine. On release, this was a bit disappointing after the stellar 2001 and 2002's. At age 16, however, it has put on weight, aged slowly and is a terrific Merlot. Purple in color with ruby swirls. The nose has milk chocolate, cherries and just a bit of raspberry. On the palate, this has nice layering of fruit and earth. Tannins are all resolved. Easy drinking. Good finish. This won't get better and should be drunk in the next few years. It will go well with roasts and casseroles of all types.

2021 Oberon Merlot, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review

Vintage:

2021

Score:

Grade:

Current Price:

$28.00USD

Oberon is part of the Michael Mondavi family of wines. This wine was quite good and very interesting. It is of course, mostly Merlot (sourced in Oakville) but there is an undisclosed amount of Zinfandel and Syrah in the wine which seems to give it a bit more structure and likely a bit of acidity as well. The people at Oberon feel it adds more lushness. Purple in color with ruby swirls, mostly opaque and bright. The nose has black cherries, black raspberries, spice and chocolate. Full bodied. Light to medium tannins. On the palate, this is delicious. Flavors of black cherries, milk

2017 Flora Springs Merlot, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review

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