Though Cuvaison is best known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, they have an impressive overall portfolio of wine that often doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Case in point, their 2019 Merlot is nothing short of outstanding. This is a medium bodied wine that drinks like a full-bodied wine with lots of swagger. Black cherry notes dominate along with plum, blackberry, light blueberry, cocoa powder and fresh sawed cedar wood. This is 100% Merlot and shows that with excellent fruit, you can make a Merlot that doesn’t need the addition of other grapes to make it better. Aged 22 months, this is a gorgeous balance between fruit, wood, tannins and acidity. In the very capable hands of Steve Rogstad this wine belies its price and offers a convincing argument that good Merlot is still out there and needs to be found. ORIGIN: Napa Valley. ALCOHOL: 14.8%

Grade: 
A+
Score: 
95
Vintage: 
2019
Current Price: 
$70.00USD