Merlot Erba Mountains Vineyard (2005)

About this wine

The 2005 Erba Mountainside Vineyards Merlot from Napa Valley offers a deep ruby color and a bouquet of ripe blackberries, cherries, and plums, complemented by subtle notes of mocha and cedar. On the palate, it presents a full-bodied experience with flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and spice, balanced by firm tannins and a lingering finish. This wine reflects the unique terroir of Napa Valley's mountainside vineyards, known for producing wines with depth and complexity. Aged in French oak barrels, it has developed additional layers of flavor and a smooth texture. This Merlot showcases the potential for aging, with its structure and balance allowing it to evolve gracefully over time.

About the grape

Merlot, originally from Bordeaux, France, has been cultivated in Napa Valley since the early 1970s. Initially used to soften Cabernet Sauvignon blends, it soon gained popularity as a standalone varietal due to its approachable flavors and smooth texture. The 2005 Erba Mountains Vineyard Erba Merlot showcases this trend, highlighting the grape's adaptability to Napa's diverse microclimates and soils. Notably, Merlot's resurgence in Napa Valley reflects a broader appreciation for its versatility and depth.

Quick facts

• 🍇 The 2005 Erba Merlot from Erba Mountains Vineyard in Napa Valley is crafted exclusively from Merlot grapes, known for their soft, velvety texture and rich plum flavors.
• 🌍 Merlot is one of the world's most widely planted grape varieties, thriving in regions like Bordeaux, Long Island, Napa Valley, and Chile's Central Valley.
• 🐦 The name 'Merlot' is believed to be derived from the French word 'merle,' meaning blackbird, possibly referencing the grape's dark color.
• ⏳ Merlot grapes typically ripen earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon, making them a popular choice for blending to add softness and fruitiness to wines.
• 🍷 In Napa Valley, Merlot wines often exhibit ripe blackberry and black raspberry notes, reflecting the region's unique terroir.

Palate profile

Producer

Erba Mountainside Vineyards, established in 1998 by Dr. Paul Erba, is situated on the steep slopes of Atlas Peak in Napa Valley, California. The 20-acre vineyard, perched at elevations between 1,100 and 1,550 feet, benefits from rocky volcanic soils and a unique microclimate above the morning fog, ensuring abundant sunshine and cooling breezes that contribute to optimal grape ripening. The vineyard is divided into 14 distinct blocks, each harvested separately to achieve peak ripeness. Notably, some sections are so steep that they require hand farming, as machinery cannot be used.