Reviews & Ratings

2020 Stags Leap Winery Merlot "Napa Valley"

Winery: Stags Leap Winery

Vintage: 2020

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Napa Valley"

Wine Category: Merlot

Grape blend: 96% Merlot, 2% Malbec & 2% Cabernet Sauvignon

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Napa Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $40

Cases produced: 14,741

KWG Score: 90 (based on 1 review)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (90)

Review date: February 8, 2024

Wine Review: This slightly cloudy and dark ruby colored Merlot from Stags’ Leap Winery opens with a currant bouquet with hints of craisin, red plum, and cinnamon. On the palate, this wine is medium plus bodied with integrated medium plus acidity. The mouthfeel is balanced, smooth and very approachable. The flavor profile is black currant and stone dust blend with notes of mulberry and black tea. We also detected hints of toasted oak, clove, and anise. The finish is dry, and its dusty tannins build-up and are a quite sticky. The Tasting Panel would pair this Merlot with a lamb burger or lamb lollipops. Enjoy – KWGTP

Winemaker Notes: True to its southern Napa origins, the 2020 Merlot exhibits fresh, expressive aromas and flavors with notes of ripe black cherry, red currant, and black plum. These mingle with spiced notes of cinnamon, clove, Madagascar vanilla, and caramel from the delicately interwoven oak aging. Lively, lifted chaparral notes of lavender, fresh mint, and sage, dance alongside riper tones of blueberry preserves and bittersweet dark chocolate, while hints of anise and black tea add savory complexity. This sumptuous wine is creamy and round with a backbone of fresh acidity. The tannin profile is polished and firm, adding richness and balance. The finish is deep and nuanced, demonstrating grace and finesse.

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