Taste | A lush, fruit-forward Merlot bursting with aromas of strawberry rhubarb pie, red plum, mixed berries, milk chocolate, and a touch of licorice. On the palate, you’ll find juicy wild strawberries, raspberry liqueur, chocolate-covered cherries, brioche, and toasted walnuts. Fine-grained tannins and supple texture lead to a long, satisfying finish.
About the Winery/Winemaker | Whitehall Lane Winery, located in the heart of Napa Valley, has long been recognized for crafting richly expressive and balanced wines. Under winemaker Jason Moulton, the estate remains committed to varietal purity, meticulous vineyard sourcing, and a blending philosophy that brings complexity and depth to every bottle. This 2021 Merlot combines estate-grown and select vineyard fruit, with careful fermentation and aging in 35% new French oak for 20 months.
Why We Love It | This is a Merlot that overdelivers—elegant yet approachable, structured yet smooth. Awarded 92 points by Wine Spectator, James Suckling, and Wine Enthusiast, it’s a cellar-worthy Napa red that’s drinking beautifully now but will evolve through 2037.
Technical Wine Notes
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Origin: Napa Valley, California
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Varietal Composition: 82% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc
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Fermentation & Aging: Whole-berry fermentation, cold soak for 4–7 days, fermented at 82°F; aged in 35% new French oak for 20 months
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Alcohol: 14.9% ABV
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Style: Full-bodied, plush, layered, cellar-worthy
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Accolades: 92 pts James Suckling • 92 pts Wine Spectator • 92 pts Wine Enthusiast • 90 pts Wine Advocate
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