Grgich
Hills is iconic. It is one of Napa’s stalwarts. Since 1999 it has made Merlot
and it has always been a consistently excellent wine. Their 2016 iteration
veers a little bit, which is a good thing; after all, we should celebrate
vintage variation.
It’s
dominated by Merlot with 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc blended
in, and spent 21 months in oak with just 25% of those barrels being new.
Therefore the oak is evident, but its judicious use allows more of the terrific
Napa fruit to shine through. It offers black cherry, raspberry, blueberry and
lingonberry notes along with a savory components of vanilla, rosewood, parsley,
mint and charred cedar. This Merlot does not apologize for its distinctive
herbal elements but celebrates a kind of wild garden vibe, earthy and piquant,
its success is in being slightly different. Pulling fruit from their estate vineyards in both warmer and cooler regions has clearly paid off. If you’re looking for a Merlot with
a unique personality, this is it. 3,740 cases
ORIGIN: Napa Valley
ALCOHOL: 14.6%
PRICE: $43/ 750ML
SCORE: 92 POINTS
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