2012 Merus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa

85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 6% Malbec, 3% Merlot

By looking at its saturated purple-black color, you can tell immediately that the 2012 Merus is a powerhouse of a wine. With even a little air, dark blackberry, tarry smoke, crushed violet, and charred beef fat aromas emerge. Once the masculine aromas escape the more subtle and delicate Coombsville characteristics become apparent, i.e. aromas of fresh black currant, sweet bramble vine, and cool wet stones. The mouth follows suit as it enters first with a thickness and a black fruit sweetness that one would expect from the initial aroma. Typical to its Coombsville pedigree, it never feels heavy as it fills every corner of your mouth. The 100% new oak provides structure and a pleasing toastiness but doesn’t overwhelm. This wine is still a baby and a bit disjointed as are many 2012s. With even a few more months in the bottle, it should become seamless and even more rich.

The bulk of Merus comes from a single well-chosen Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard site in the Coombsville A.V.A of the Napa Valley. This is one of the coolest sites in the Napa Valley which allows the vines to remain viable and active into November. What it also has going for it under challenging conditions is very well-draining soil (volcanic strewn with river cobble), early morning sunshine due to the gentle eastern aspect, and daily afternoon breezes.

931 Cases Produced