2019 Jada Strayts Merlot

Inky ruby. Deep, smoke- and spice-accented red and blue fruits on the fragrant nose. Smooth and fleshy in the mouth, offering sappy cherry, boysenberry, mocha and fruitcake flavors. A peppery note adds bite to a long, smooth finish that features rounded tannins and repeating blue fruit character. 34% new French oak.

The 2019 Strayts, matured in 34% new oak, is made with Merlot (85%) and blended with some Petite Sirah (11%) and Petit Verdot (4%). "I've been pulling back on the new oak for the Merlot," says winemaker Joshua Harp. "I'm trying to make the best Merlot in Paso." Harp has crafted an alluring example this vintage, inviting and hedonistic without going over the top. Medium ruby, it's scented of Morello cherries, cured meats and graphite with tones of sweet spice, and the palate is just what you want from this grape: lush, chocolaty and satiny smooth with notable freshness and lift and a long, sweet cherry finish. It's an elegant Merlot that drinks well now but should offer graceful development in bottle over the next decade.

The 2019 Strayts checks in as 85% Merlot, 11% Petite Sirah, and the rest Petit Verdot, aged 15 months in 34% new French oak. It’s another incredibly impressive red from winemaker Joshua Harp that has full-bodied aromas and flavors of darker currants, black cherries, dried flowers, and tobacco. Beautifully textured, round, opulent, and complete, it’s one heck of a great Merlot to enjoy over the coming 10-12 years. Winemaker Joshua Harp, along with top Napa consultant Tony Biagi, continues to go from strength to strength and it seems as if every vintage is the finest to date. The 2018s reviewed for this report are brilliant (I reviewed some 2018s last year as well) and the 2019s might be a step up. No shrinking violets, these are big, rich wines, yet the balance is spot on, the wines show remarkable purity of fruit, and I’d certainly be happy to drink any of them.