Charles Krug Napa Valley Merlot 2018
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James
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Winemaker Notes
This 2018 Napa Valley Merlot has expressive aromas of cranberry, pomegranate and cherry followed by lovely hints of tobacco and toffee. This medium-bodied wine delights with rich cherry and blueberry flavors accented with hints of walnut and toasty oak across the long supple finish.
Blend: 85% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
An array of ripe mirabelles and plums with some blue flowers and spices. Full body. Soft, creamy texture and plush, velvety tannins with a solid core of fruit on the palate. Long, warming finish. Yet, it remains fresh. Give it another year or two of bottle age to soften the tannins. Drink or hold.
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Wine Enthusiast
Softly layered in dense flavors of blueberry, mocha and baking spice, this is a food-friendly wine, with supple tannins and integrated oak. It holds its full-bodied weight and concentration well, adding 11% Cabernet Sauvignon into the mix.
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Wine Spectator
Firm, with a snap of dried green herbs to the dried cherry and berry flavors. Minerally midpalate, with a finish that's filled with toasty notes and hints of mocha.
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In 1861, Charles Krug, the visionary father of Napa Valley winemaking, established the winery that started it all. In 1943, Cesare and Rosa Mondavi purchased this iconic estate and continued to build on its reputation for innovation and uncompromising quality. Their son, Peter Mondavi Sr., carried on this tradition remaining active in the winery until his passing in 2016 at the age of 101.
Today his two sons–Peter Jr. and Marc–steward the family business as co-proprietors intent on building a lasting legacy for their children and those generations still to come. 2018 marked the 75th Anniversary of four generations of Mondavi Family ownership of Charles Krug.
As Napa Valley’s third most planted grape, Napa Valley Merlot shows time and time again its potential to produce exceptional results. Napa’s vaunted combination of climate, soil and the human factor of winemaking expertise lead to big, ripe, cellar-worthy and world-class versions.
Whether made by itself in single varietal bottlings or as an important role in Bordeaux Blends, Merlot continues a prominent role in this famous region. While Cabernet typically takes the lead role, Merlot’s contribution—even at 10% to 20% or so—is significant indeed. Often described as “the flesh on Cabernet’s bones,” Merlot lends a soft, round and plush character that beautifully complements Cabernet’s linear, full-throttle structure. Its flavors of plums plus subtle herbs and mint also dovetail nicely with Cabernet’s blackberry and cassis.