Freemark Abbey, Merlot, Napa Valley

Plush and polished, with ripe black cherry, plum skin, and a hint of blueberry compote layered over mocha, toasted oak, and a touch of sweet tobacco. There’s a subtle herbal edge—bay leaf and dried sage—that keeps the dark fruit from feeling heavy. Medium-to-full bodied, with supple tannins and a round, generous mid-palate, it leans into its Napa warmth while maintaining enough structure and acidity to stay balanced. Outstanding in quality.

Upon Opening . . . . Nose – Muted berry, cocoa, and subtle spice. Quite alcohol-ee, oh man, very alcohol-ee. Taste – Tannins with tannic tannins that include dry tannins and really nothing except a massive dry pucker! Wooow, tannic. Okay, now fast forward 6 hours sitting in the decanter and our controlled temperature cellar at 57 degrees. Take 2! Color: Ruby red with fairly solid edges. Nose: Dark Cherries, blackberries, red currant, with some blue mixed in there. Very …

Dark and dense, but a fresh, real wine. 14.5alc well contained, and not at all lumbering or over-sweet. Got a good deal on my bottle, and there were a lot left in the shop, so tempted to pick up another and revisit in 10 years. Good.

Simply delicious. Will smooth out a bit more with another year but also very satisfying now.

A very nice Merlot. Good dark fruit with smooth tannins.