Plumpjack 2016 Merlot, Napa Valley

Plumpjack wines are Napa Valley elite, always excellent and always in very limited supply!

Merlot grapes for this 2016 were cold soaked for four to five days before the onset of fermentation. The fermentation was then allowed to reach a maximum temperature of 92 degrees F and pressed off the skins after 8 - 10 days. The wine was then moved into oak barrels where they underwent malolactic fermentation. 75% of these barrels were new barrels and the balance were once-filled barrels. 88% of the barrels were French Oak Bordeaux barrels and 12% were American Oak barrels. The wine was aged for 19 months before bottling.

The Wine Advocate scored this 92 points saying "Containing a 4% splash of Malbec, the deep purple-black colored 2016 Merlot opens with notions of chocolate-covered cherries, plum preserves, spice cake and black pepper with hints of garrigue and wild sage. Full-bodied and boldly fruited in the mouth, the juicy black fruit is well framed by rounded tannins and oodles of freshness, finishing long and spicy."

and Jeb Dunnuck scored this 93 points saying "Made from 96% Merlot and 4% Malbec that’s aging in mostly French oak (there 12% American oak), the 2016 Merlot offers up a forward, sexy, spice-filled style that’s going to drink nicely right out of the gate. Black cherries, red and black currants, toasted spice, vanilla bean and a touch of oak all give way to a medium to full-bodied, layered, ripe, balanced 2016 to drink over the coming 10-15 years."