2021 Napa Valley Merlot

Crafted to showcase ‘Textbook’ characteristics of Napa Valley Merlot — lushness and velvety tannins with European restraint and elegance. Final blend composed with separate lots sourced from sub-appellations throughout the Napa Valley resulting in a well-balanced wine with layered complexity. Cabernet Sauvignon is blended in to provide a strong backbone and tannin structure, which perfectly balances the plush texture of Merlot.

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  • Aged 14 months in French Oak, 30% New
  • Varietal Composition 76% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Fermentation 100% Stainless Steel | 7 Days Skin Contact
  • Alcohol 13.6%
  • PH 3.73
  • Acid 5.5 g/L

Tasting Notes with Founder Jonathan Pey

Textbook Napa Valley Merlot 2021 - bottle

Vintage: 2021

Varietal: Merlot

AVA: Napa Valley

  • Cool marine breezes from the San Pablo Bay create natural acidity in the Oak Knoll fruit - contributing to the “pop” of cherry and bright red fruit characteristics.

  • Yountville's gravelly alluvial soils force vines to root deep, creates rich, complex wine profiles. The AVA produces red fruit flavors and big tannins - raspberry and ripe juicy cherry.

  • 76% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon: Cabernet Sauvignon is blended in to provide a strong backbone and tannin structure, which perfectly balances the plush texture of Merlot.

  • 92 POINTS
    "This suave, velvety wine is richly layered in baking spices, cherries, berries and chocolate for an indulgent, almost sweet expression. Tasty on its own or with a filet mignon, the wine will please a crowd of red-wine-lovers."

    —J.G.. Wine Enthusiast, "Best of the Year" Issue, December 2023

  • "This wine is velvet on the palate, with rich aromas of fresh blackberry and bright cherry, complemented by concentrated briary berry compote and allspice flavors. Juicy with a solid chewy tannin structure."

    - Abigail Estrada, Winemaker

Textbook Merlot on table setting
Textbook merlot bottle on table

Our Vision

We like to think of our Napa Valley Merlot as our right place, right time wine. You’d be hard-pressed to find a California region where Merlot flourishes better than in the Napa Valley. The slightly longer growing season allows those lush, plush qualities to mature while also giving enough space for the fruit to come to life. The ideal amount of tannin gives the wine enough structure for aging.

Abigail Horstman Estrada signature

— Abigail Estrada, Winemaker

Woman carrying book and a glass of wine

Your Experience

Our 2021 Napa Valley Merlot checks all the boxes. It’s balanced, layered, complex, and so flavorful. Enjoy by the fire while glamping, at a romantic dinner for two, with an elevated home cooked meal, or at any occasion that calls for a slow-sipping wine.

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