Reviews & Ratings

2012 Cakebread Cellars Merlot "Napa Valley"

Winery: Cakebread Cellars

Vintage: 2012

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Napa Valley"

Wine Category: Merlot

Grape blend: 86% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, & 1% Syrah

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Napa Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $54

Cases produced: 5,000

KWG Score: 91 (based on 3 reviews)

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

Review date: September 10, 2015

Wine Review: This opaque and midnight blue colored Merlot from Napa opens with an oak and blackberry bouquet with hints of pipe tobacco. On the palate, this wine is full bodied, balanced and savory. The flavor profile is a mineral infused black raspberry jam with black plum, black pepper, coffee, and spice. The finish is dry and its moderate tannins stick around for a long time. The panel suggested pairing this tasty Merlot with a Kona coffee encrusted filet mignon or with chunks of rich dark chocolate. Enjoy - KWGTP

Winemaker Notes: Our 2012 Napa Valley Merlot immediately captures attention with its perfumed black cherry, red plum and blackberry aromas, which are nicely complemented by hints of mineral and dried herbs. Boasting considerable depth and concentration on the palate, the wine offers rich, vibrant, dark cherry and plum flavors, with notes of sage, tea-leaf spice and a flinty minerality adding zest to the long, cherry-laced finish. Immensely appealing now, this fragrant, delicious Merlot will profit from another 5-7 years' aging.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Cakebread 2012 Merlot.