92 POINTS, GOLD MEDAL!
2021 CRITICS CHALLENGE WINE COMPETITION
There’s a brightness to the fruit here that’s hard to maintain. Red, black and blue berries are layered and elegant. A Gold Award winner at the 2021 Critics Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition.
92-POINTS Jul 6, 2021
Sourced from the same producer as Lot N.07 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir, N.45 2018 St. Helena Merlot is a lush, delicious wine with a solid structure that delivers an umami experience like no other varietal. With 22-months in fine French oak, little expense was spared in its production.
Lush plum, blackberry and pretty cherry are bracketed by sexy, toasty oak, acacia florals, cedar and cocoa powder notes. As promised, its lush on the palate but very well supported with pretty cherry, boysenberry and chocolate toffee oak notes in a long, clean finish. Yes, its rich and ripe but also very well-balanced - clearly a deft hand at the wheel here.
50-60% new French oak (estimated) for 22 months
98% Merlot, 2% Rutherford Cabernet
16% alc - yes, its a big boy but there is no heat whatsoever on this wine.
Bottled August 7th, 2020
