91pts Wine Advocate

Sourced from Oak Knoll and Carneros, Plumpjack's 2021 Merlot is a lush, approachable, easy-to-enjoy representation of the variety. The nose features caramelized black cherries, cinnamon, mocha, brown sugar and similar sensations, while the full-bodied palate is round, ripe and supple, even a bit creamy in texture, with a soft, plush finish. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.

Winemaker Notes

The 2021 PlumpJack Merlot is complex and layered. The nose leads with cherry, raspberry, and boysenberry, followed by sweet earth and dried herbs. The oak barrels bring depth to the nose by infusing notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, pie crust, vanilla, caramel, and hickory. These flavors carry through to the palate, which has a silky texture, firm yet plush tannin, and lively acidity. This wine has great length and finishes with an impression of espresso and baker's chocolate.

Blend: 98% Merlot, 2% Malbec

Winery Notes

Our Merlot vineyard is in the Oak Knoll region of the Napa Valley, and is nestled up to the Mayacamas Mountain Range on the west side of the valley. The mild climate and alluvial soils in this region lend this wine great balance and structure. The mild temperatures allow these grapes to develop bright aromatics and flavors, along with a beautiful natural acidity and elegance. The alluvial soils bring darker fruits to the nose and palate, and give this wine its structure and concentration. The 2019 vintage has a beautiful and complex nose black cherry, boysenberry jam, plum, and fresh cut flowers come through first, then cardamom, nutmeg, and a touch of cocoa and vanilla enter giving the nose depth and intrigue. The palate too has great depth and complexity flavors of red cherries, muddled berries, and dried herbs, with a creamy texture and silky tannin complimented by a fresh, vibrant acidity.