By Merryvale Vineyards
2023 Merlot Napa Valley

Source
Sourced from Coombsville in southeastern Napa Valley. This area is known for its cool climate due to its proximity to the San Pablo Bay and its volcanic soils. This combination of climate and soils produces elegant and structured wines, making it an ideal location for Merlot to promote freshness and balance.

Vintage
In 2023, Napa Valley experienced one of the longest growing seasons in a decade or more. With consistent mild weather throughout the season, which led to extended hang time, 2023 was an exceptional, high-quality, and memorable vintage.

Production
The fruit was hand-harvested at night to retain freshness and acidity. After a 5-day cold soak in tank, the wines began native as well as commercial yeast fermentation. Two pumpovers per day, backing off at dryness, and pressing between 15-21 days on skins. Spontaneous malolactic fermentation completed in barrel. This wine was aged in French oak barrels (50% new) for 15 months.

Wine Details
Appellation: Napa Valley
Blend: 100% Merlot
Vineyards: Berry Lane Estate, Faust
Aging: 15 months in 50% new French oak barrels
Alcohol: 15.10%
pH: 3.66
TA: 6.0 g/L

Tasting Notes
Aromas of dried plum and cassis mingle with hints of blueberry jam and floral notes of geranium while beautifully interlaced with barrel notes of sandalwood and red cedar, which all combine to create an impressive complexity on the nose. On the palate, the entry is round and juicy, giving way to a mid-palate displaying slightly dusty tannins that provide enough structure without being overly aggressive. The wine ends with a long, elegant finish that shows a subtle graphite minerality, creating a beautiful expression of this cool-climate Napa Valley Merlot.
[Information provided by Merchant23]

Wine: Merryvale, Merlot, Napa Valley, California, USA 2023
Score/Rating: 94
Suggested Drinking Window: 2025 - 2033
Review Date: 08/27/2025
Reviewed By: Jonathan Cristaldi
Tasting Notes: From Coombsville, this Merlot is [...] aged [...] in 50% new French oak. It is a very pretty and elegant wine, showing wonderful sagebrush and minty undertones. Bright notes of apricot, white plum and pluot add freshness alongside crunchy cherry fruit, all supported by a firm spine of acidity. A great food-friendly Merlot, it is best enjoyed with hard cheeses or juicy burgers.

Wine: MERRYVALE Merlot, Napa Valley 2023
Score/Rating: 93
Suggested Drinking Window: 2025-2035
Review Date: 12/2025
Reviewed By: J. D'Angelo
Tasting Notes: The 2023 Napa Valley Merlot [...] a opens with aromas of ripe black cherry, plum, and blueberry compote, accented by hints of cocoa, warm baking spices, and a touch of fresh herbs. On the palate, the wine is plush yet structured, delivering dark fruit supported by fine-grained tannins that keeps everything balanced. Subtle notes of mocha and violet emerge as it evolves, leading to a round, lingering finish.

Wine: Merryvale Merlot Napa Valley 2023
Score/Rating: 93
Review Date: 06/15/2025
Reviewed By: Ryan Montgomery
Tasting Notes: Expressive aromas of blackcurrants, licorice, violets, crushed blueberries, damson plums, menthol and rose petals. The palate is medium-bodied with finely tuned tannins and a bright yet rounded mouthfeel. Excellent freshness and purity with a touch of polish. Drink or hold.

Wine: Merryvale 2023 Merlot (Napa Valley)
Score/Rating: 92
Review Date: 09/01/2026
Reviewed By: Elaine Chukan Brown
Tasting Notes: Aromatic lift, dark fruits, and an almost steely freshness join forces for a striking red wine with the mouthwatering presence to enjoy now with food, or hold in cellar for several more years. Fennel and flowering herbs, black currants and plum, and a waft of incense bring lushness to this juicy, full bodied Merlot.

Wine: 2023 Merryvale Vineyards Merlot
Score/Rating: 90
Suggested Drinking Window: 2025 - 2033
Review Date: 12/22/2025
Reviewed By: Jeb Dunnuck
Tasting Notes: The 2023 Merlot reveals blackberries, black cherries, peppery herbs, graphite, and chocolate on the nose, and it's medium-bodied, with nicely balanced concentration and solid structure. Aged 15 months in 50% new oak, it has outstanding length and will drink well over the coming 6-8 years. Drink 2025-2033.

Wine: Merryvale Merlot Napa Valley 2023
Score/Rating: 90
Suggested Drinking Window: Drink now through 2033
Review Date: 12/15/2025
Reviewed By: Tim Fish
Tasting Notes: Well-sculpted and expressive, with deep black cherry, bittersweet chocolate and tomato leaf flavors that build tension toward medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2033.

Wine: 2023 Merryvale Vineyards Merlot
Score/Rating: 89
Suggested Drinking Window: 2026 - 2035
Review Date: 05/07/2026
Reviewed By: Joe Czerwinski
Tasting Notes: Merryvale's latest vineyard acquisition is the Berry Lane Vineyard in Coombsville, which is the source for the majority of the winery's 2023 Merlot. It's gently herbal, with red cherries and a hint of menthol on the nose, while the medium- to full-bodied palate is streamlined and silky. A promising first effort from a new site, it should be interesting to see how future vintages shape up.