Grieve Family Winery Merlot 2012
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Grapes for this 100% varietal wine—the family's first estate Merlot under this name—are grown on the Grieve Family Vineyard in Lovall Valley, just above cool Carneros. Concentrated and showing integrated oak, it reveals cedar and dried herb around subtle fruit components of plum and cassis. It finishes soft and balanced in a flurry of cocoa.
Lovall Valley occupies a unique position geographically, climatically, viticulturally and historically. Located between the towns of Napa and Sonoma straddling the county line just north of Carneros, Lovall Valley is only 1.25 miles long and less than a half-mile wide and is the last pocket before the Mayacamas Mountains give way to Carneros and the San Pablo Bay to the south. Accessible only from Sonoma, yet located in Napa County, Lovall Valley sits at approximately 650 feet above sea level and is bordered on the west by Arrowhead Mountain. Huichica Creek runs the length of the valley bisecting the Grieve Family Vineyard, supplying it with moisture and extending the growing season.
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.