Stags' Leap Winery Napa Valley Merlot 2003
Region: Napa Valley, California
Winery: Stags' Leap Winery
Variety: Merlot

Tasting Notes:
Stags' Leap Winery emphasizes structure in their red wines, a commitment reflected in the mouth-filling mid-palate expression of this classic Napa Valley Merlot. A cool, wet spring made 2003 a late year, pushing the pick-dates back into late October and November. The long hang-time and lower yields combined to form Merlot of uncommon power and complexity. The wine spent 21 months in French oak, then was blended in with small percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc to lend the wine added complexity and length. The result is a full-bodied Merlot expressing black cherry, cocoa bean and rum-soaked raisin aromas. There are notes of black plum, nutmeg and vanilla cream on the mid-palate. The tannins are smooth and earthy and the wine is complete and balanced with a long finish that warms you on a chilly night!

Posted by thewinery on December 1st, 2007 at 9:51am | report comment

Stags' Leap Winery Napa Valley Merlot 2003
Region: Napa Valley, California
Winery: Stags' Leap Winery
Variety: Merlot

Color: Dark ruby/garnet

Nose: Black fruit, some vanilla and some cherry on top, toasty.

Palate: Quite good, a fruit-forward version of a Napa Merlot. Very yummy, with decent structure. Very smooth and a little bit of loam.

Posted by drxeno on December 31st, 2007 at 10:24pm | report comment

Stags' Leap Winery Napa Valley Merlot 2003
Region: Napa Valley, California
Winery: Stags' Leap Winery
Variety: Merlot

Palate: Some game, as well

Posted by drxeno on December 31st, 2007 at 10:26pm | report comment