Brand | St Supery |
Appellation | Napa Valley, California, USA |
Vintage | 2019 |
Oak Treatment | French Oak |
Aging | 19 months / 14.5% abv |
Total Varietal Composition % | 78% merlot, 19% cabernet sauvignon, 3% petit verdot |
Product details
St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery, nestled in Napa Valley's renowned Rutherford region, is celebrated for its commitment to 100% estate-grown, sustainably farmed wines. The 2019 Rutherford Estate Vineyard Merlot exemplifies this dedication, showcasing the unique terroir of the estate. The 2019 growing season featured a wet winter and spring, followed by a warm, dry summer, allowing for consistent and balanced ripening. The fruit was hand-harvested in the cool morning hours and meticulously sorted to ensure only the finest grapes were used. The wine was then aged for 19 months in 100% French oak barrels, with 50% being new, enhancing its complexity and depth.
This Merlot presents deep shades of red and purple, offering luscious aromas of fresh black plum, ripe raspberry, anise, toasted oak, and a hint of graphite. On the palate, rich flavors of black cherry and mocha intertwine with subtle notes of cinnamon, clove, and toffee, culminating in a smooth, silky texture with elegant tannins. The wine's balanced profile makes it an excellent companion to dishes such as roast turkey, smoked tomato soup with chèvre cream, and grilled ribeye with Hen of the Woods mushrooms. Esteemed critics have recognized its quality, with James Suckling awarding it 93 points, noting its "aromas of crushed red and black cherries, ground spice, and garden herbs" and describing it as "full-bodied with velvety tannins... nicely balanced."