2018 Chappellet Merlot Napa

The Wine This supple and elegant mountain-grown Merlot continues to remind wine lovers how delicious Merlot can be. It was aged for 22 months in French oak barrels (40% new), and was blended with three of the other red Bordeaux varieties for added structure and complexity.

Growing Season & Harvest- The 2018 vintage delivered ideal growing conditions that were reminiscent of the exceptional 2012 and 2016 vintages. Perfectly timed spring rains saturated the soils, and were followed by moderate weather, with almost no days of heat above 100° F throughout the summer. Because the phenomenal growing conditions yielded a larger-than-average crop, we did as many as three to four thinning passes between June and August, aggressively dropping fruit to fine-tune the crop load. The temperate conditions continued late into the season, providing abundant hangtime, and ensuring ideal flavor development and the retention of excellent natural acidity. As a result, our 2018 wines offer beautiful concentration and weight, with lovely varietal purity.

Tasting Notes This beautiful Merlot draws you in with aromas of black cherry, cassis, ripe plum, anise, forest floor and complex herbs, as well as French oak-inspired hints of vanilla, clove and cedar chest. On the palate, silky tannins and a supple richness are balanced by a bright underlying energy that frames the vibrant red currant and cassis flavors, while carrying the wine to a lingering finish of fruit and fine herbs.