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Notes
The return of a widely appreciated and loved varietal at Delectus - Merlot! Many of our fans have referred to Gerhard's Merlot as a "Cab-drinker's Merlot" because it is always incredibly stout and complex. We finally found a vineyard that was worthy enough to make a single varietal bottling again, and - oh my! - is this a gorgeous wine. The 2005 Merlot has knocked our socks off since the day we first tasted it in the fermenting tank and has continued to earn our highest praises. It is bold enough to pair with a steak, but this wine begs to compliment stew or a leg of lamb.
2005 Merlot $50
Tasting Notes
Aromas of cinnamon, cherry, marionberry, and white pepper fold into dried cranberry, banana-nut bread, and dark chocolate. The palate is round and vivacious and is filled with orange zest, vanilla bean and mineral. Full-throttle, powerful yet elegant, with a long velvety finish. Stellar! (02/08)
Reviews & Accolades
2005 Merlot, Napa Valley 2005
Wine Spectator, 90 points
Dense and nicely structured, with ripe plum and herb aromas and vivid cherry and spicy oak flavors that slowly unfurl in the glass. Drink now through 2010. - J.L.
Past Reviews & Accolades
2001 Merlot
Two Puffs, 92 Points - Connoisseurs' Guide to California
Wine
"Wonderfully rich oak works to sweeten this very inviting Merlot
from first sniff to finish, but for all of its creamy enticements and
its undisguised ripeness, the wine is defined first and last by its deep
and confident fruit. Full and fleshy in feel, and so well extracted as
to make its slight finishing heat forgivable, this is one to team with
recipes of commensurable richness such as mesquite-grilled rib-eye steaks
drizzled with a red wine reduction." (November 2005)
92 Pts - Wine Spectator
"Dense and concentrated, with a substantial core of rich, earthy
tannins but also a wonderful beam of leathery currant, sage and herbal
notes. Excellent balance, depth and range of flavor on the finish. Best
from 2006 through 2012." (May 31, 2005)
2000 Merlot, Stanton Vineyard
93 Pts - Connoisseur's Guide
"Here is an intense and deeply filled expression of Merlot that is
loaded with lovely oak but never loses sight of the lavish fruit that
is its first and foremost gift. Wonderfully layered in character and accented
with elements of vanilla, cream, cocoa and dried orange peel, it is broad
and coating on the palate with so much richness that its finishing heat
and minor tannins become next to negligible. There is every reason to
expect even better with a few years of age, but early drinking is easily
excused if not outright condoned." (March 2003)
1999 Merlot, Stanton Vineyard
92 Pts - Specs Monthly
"This is a big well-structured flavorful Merlot that both fills the
mouth and holds the interest. The dark cherry fruit dominates but there
are notes of cedar, tobacco, and other fruit nuanances. With its chewiness
and dusty dry character, the texture is more Cabernet than monster Merlot.
The fruit hangs in and the finish really lasts. Excellent." (October
2002)
91 Pts - Connoisseur's Guide
"Ripe and rich from the outstanding smelling of black cherries, sweet
smoke and caramelized vanilla beans, the wine is full and supple in feel
on the palate with a plush, mouth filling and coating texture. Filled
with buoyant, succulent fruit that fits perfectly with the wine's
veneer of roasted vanilla oakiness, this one has a quiet but ever present
streak of firming tannins that provide both backbone for the present and
the promise of better to come with a few years of aging." (June 2002)
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