Merlot (2015)

About this wine

The 2015 Whitehall Lane Merlot from Napa Valley presents vibrant aromas of red raspberries and cherries, immediately drawing you in. On the palate, it offers a core of ripe, jammy berry and currant flavors, beautifully framed by toasty oak. The wine's supple texture is complemented by fine, firm tannins, providing structure without overpowering the fruit. As the finish unfolds, subtle notes of sweet tobacco and graham cracker richness emerge, adding depth and complexity. This Merlot is a testament to Whitehall Lane's dedication to crafting balanced and flavorful wines.

About the grape

Merlot, originating from Bordeaux, France, is known for its soft tannins and ripe fruit flavors, making it a popular choice for blending and single-varietal wines. Cabernet Sauvignon, also from Bordeaux, is celebrated for its bold structure and deep flavors, often contributing to a wine's longevity. In the 2015 Whitehall Lane Merlot from Napa Valley, the blend consists of 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Merlot grapes were sourced from the winery's Estate vineyard in Rutherford and select vineyards in St. Helena and Oak Knoll AVAs, while the Cabernet Sauvignon predominantly came from Whitehall's Millennium MM vineyard in Rutherford. This combination showcases the complementary characteristics of both varietals, with Merlot providing approachability and fruitiness, and Cabernet Sauvignon adding structure and depth.

Quick facts

• 🍷 The 2015 Whitehall Lane Merlot is a blend of 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, showcasing the winery's expertise in crafting balanced and complex wines.
• 🍒 This vintage offers aromas of dark cranberries, dried cherries, cocoa dust, fresh strawberry jam, cherry cola, pomegranate, and toasted vanilla, providing a rich and inviting bouquet.
• 🌰 On the palate, the wine presents fine, firm tannins alongside flavors of black cherries, red currants, goji berries, and toasted walnuts, culminating in a supple texture with attractive depth on the finish.
• ☀️ The 2015 growing season in Napa Valley featured early spring rains followed by an ideal summer of hot days and cool nights, leading to a warm autumn that ripened the fruit steadily, contributing to the wine's balanced profile.
• 🏡 Whitehall Lane Winery, established in 1979 and located in St. Helena, California, is a family-owned estate known for producing world-class wines, including Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Palate profile

Producer

Whitehall Lane Winery, established in 1979 in St. Helena, California, is situated on land with a viticultural heritage dating back to the mid-1800s, when settlers recognized the area's gravelly loam soils and ideal climate for grape cultivation. In 1993, the Leonardini Family acquired the winery, implementing modern winemaking techniques and expanding vineyard holdings to over 200 acres across Napa and Sonoma Valleys. Notably, Whitehall Lane was the first winery to commercially use Vino-Seal glass stoppers in 2003, reflecting its commitment to innovation. The winery has received accolades, including multiple wines rated among the top five globally by Wine Spectator magazine.