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Today's Wine Review

2023 Oberon Merlot "Napa Valley"

Oberon 2023 Merlot

Winery: Oberon

Vintage: 2023

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Napa Valley"

Wine Category: Merlot

Grape blend: 89% Merlot, 9% Syrah & & 2% Zinfandel

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Napa Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $29

Cases produced: 4,500

KWG Score: 90.3 (based on 3 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good (89)

Review date: February 13, 2026

Wine Review: This very dark garnet colored Merlot from Oberon opens with a blackberry, black olive, and tobacco leaf bouquet with hints of flinty minerality. On the palate, this wine is full bodied with plus acidity. The mouthfeel is round, juicy, and mouthwatering. The flavor profile is a stewed black plum and black olive blend with notes of stone dust and black tea. I also detected hints of dark chocolate and currant. The finish is very dry, and its flavors, acidity, and bold dusty tannins stick around for a very long time. I would decant this Merlot in the near term. Then I would pair it with your favorite juicy burger recipe. Enjoy – Ken

Winemaker Notes: Dense black fruit aromas are followed by boysenberry and chocolate flavors, and supple tannins on the palate. Tony sources Syrah and Zinfandel in small lots specifically for this blend as they marry beautifully with this Merlot and bring out the rich character of this delicious expressive Oakville fruit. Using Syrah and Zinfandel as blenders adds a dark velvety feel to the lush berry flavor profile of the Merlot.

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