Lot 522 | 2023 Napa Valley Merlot 750ml

Lot 522
2023 Napa Valley Merlot

750ml
$22.00
/
Available for purchase in the U.S. only excluding AK, DE, HI, RI, UT.

Over $50/bottle under the original label

Lot 522 is a graceful 100% Merlot widely regarded as one of Napa's quintessential expressions of the varietal, with consistent mid-90s scores awarded by the major publications every vintage. A signature bottling from a globally renowned estate with a very high reputation for excellence in precision vineyard management and winemaking, it was aged over a year in top-of-the-line French oak.

An uplifted and floral nose bursts out of the glass with red and blue fruit, layered alongside dusty, earthy nuances of freshly picked bay leaves, cocoa powder, and crushed stones. On the palate, the wine reveals its structure and finesse from the first sip, with a remarkable elegance and exceptional acidity – a testament to 2023’s consistently cool growing season. Terroir-driven notes of focused cherries, capsicum, juniper berries, leather, and dried herbs lead to plentiful, persistent tannins. The finish kicks off with vanilla blossoms before transitioning to additional cherries, then concludes on a savory, complex note. Superb.


13.2% alc

Overall rating: 4.5 / 5 from 26 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

This 2023 Napa Valley Merlot from Lot 522 is a highly regarded expression of the varietal, praised for its elegance and finesse. Grown in a vineyard with natural inputs and cool clay soil, the wine exhibits ideal acidity and mature flavors. Aged in French oak, it offers a bouquet of red and blue fruit, earthy nuances, and a complex finish. Available at an exceptional price, it's a superb choice for Merlot enthusiasts.

Summary topics

  • Wine Quality: 45%
  • Merlot Quality: 40%

Review topics: [flavor, value, price, wine, color, merlot, nose, fruit, tannins, finish, balance, cherry, complexity, notes].

Review highlights

  • "A well balanced wine with hints of nice dark fruits and soft tannins." — Robert N.
  • "The floral notes enhance this full-bodied Merlot." — Mark O.
  • "This is a great Merlot at a great price." — Mike S.

Reviews

Beautiful

"It was a pleasure to open this wine. Bold cherry, chalky tannins, chocolate, and a hint of pepper. I really enjoyed this wine, and it is a wonderful new world Merlot."

— K H. (5/5)

Robust and Expressive

"I was very pleased with this merlot. It is deep and flavorful with grip from the tannins. It was a pleasure to drink, and I am glad I ordered several."

— Kjel H. (5/5)

Well balanced/smooth finish

"Merlot has lower tannin levels compared to Cabernet Sauvignon, making this wine smooth and easy to drink. I tasted black cherry, plum, chocolate, At this price it’s worth it"

— James S. (5/5)

Truly best Tuesday wine around!

"This is a great Merlot. It has a nice nose with hints of blueberry and raspberry with a pleasant taste on the tongue and a smart finish. Very drinkable and would go with any food or even by itself. When you want something more full and heavier than a Pinot, but not as heavy as a Cab, this is the perfect choice. Exceptional balance and structure. This is a great Merlot at a great price."

— Mike S. (5/5)

Tasty!

"My wife and I have been enjoying this one. Dry with nice fruit, and low abv to boot! A great midweek wine!"

— Richard H. (4/5)

Savory Fruit with Floral Notes

"The floral notes enhance this full-bodied Merlot. This is my wife's favorite Merlot!"

— Mark O. (5/5)

Lot 522 Merlot

"The deep rich flavor and aroma make this a winner. Think about a hearty beef stew or goulash on a cold winter night."

— Michael W. (5/5)

Give it a Try

"Merlot had its moment in time and got maybe too popular with a lot of poor quality leading to a loss of interest. This example reminds me of why it got popular in the first place. Good fruit forward and nice balance at a good price."

— Dan B. (4/5)

2023 Napa Valley Merlot

"Excellent wine. Lots of flavor."

— Cy W. (5/5)

Merlot

"Nice merlot"

— Margaret A. (4/5)

Q&A