2002 Napa Valley Merlot
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Tasting notes
Red-ruby. Aromas of redcurrant, tobacco, milk chocolate and loam. Sweet, complex flavors of redcurrant, tobacco, cedar, smoke and minerals, all brightened by harmonious, ripe acidity that runs through the wine. Finishes with round, sweet tannins and very good length. Merlot with real flavor interest.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2002 Merlot, which comes from both the Napa and Sonoma sides of the mountain, is elegant, with wonderfully sweet black cherry fruit intermixed with a hint of mocha, white chocolate, and some background sappy wood notes. Its beautiful integration of acidity and tannin make for an elegant, polished, and stunning Merlot to drink over the next decade. Readers who love the Bob Foley style of wines, and there seem to be many who do, should also know that he produces wines under his own name, and is also the winemaker for Switchback Ridge and Hourglass, two other up-and-coming estates. Tel. (707) 963-4949; Fax (707) 963-8364