This Merlot is wonderful. It is very dark purple in color, with a huge aroma of black cherries and chocolate. The flavor is rich and full, with raspberry, cherry and sweet vanilla, mixed with moderate tannins which give it a long and luxurious finish...
I hesitate to put too much praise on a wine that seems to be just right for my own particular sense of taste; after all I am supposed to judge wines on their own merits for the wine buying public. I will also confess that my favorite wines are usually Cabernet Sauvignons from the Napa Valley.
All that being said, I must tell you that I have just tasted a Napa Valley Merlot, which in my opinion is the best Merlot I have ever tasted in the under fifty dollar category for Merlot. This is truly the Merlot for Cabernet Sauvignon lovers!
The 2003 Crane Ranch Vineyard Napa Merlot is from a relatively new winery making wine from an old piece of ground which has produced grapes for decades. First many decades ago for the old Christian Brothers Winery, and in more recent times for the Stag's Leap Vineyards. The Crane brothers bought this nine acre tract, in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, a few years back, and have begun to get recognition in the wine world since their spectacular release in 2001. While most of the acclaim has been for their Syrah, I challenge anyone to find a better Merlot than this 2003 vintage for less than thirty dollars. They produced only 375 cases, and we have obtained all of the cases presently available in the Atlanta area.
The wine is 100% estate grown, and consists of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. It was aged for twenty months in French Oak barrels (40% new oak), and is 15% alcohol. This wine is not yet at its peak, and should cellar well for a least ten more years.
This Merlot is wonderful. It is very dark purple in color, with a huge aroma of black cherries and chocolate. The flavor is rich and full, with raspberry, cherry and sweet vanilla, mixed with moderate tannins which give it a long and luxurious finish. It is in the style of a truly great St. Emilion from Bordeaux. It is one of the best Merlots I have ever tasted.
We are still running the 10% off special for one bottle or more of Napa wine through the end of July, and this one qualifies for that discount. Don't miss out on this wine, as it won't be found just anywhere, and our supply is limited.
I would score this one a 96!
World Beverage
6190 Highway 400
Cumming, GA 30040
(678) 513-6284