Raymond Reserve Selection Merlot 2019

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Raymond
Label Name:
 
Reserve Selection Merlot
Vintage:
 
2019
Country:
 
United States
Region:
 
Napa Valley, California
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
14.5%
Grape(s):
 
Merlot 90%, Cabernet Sauvignon 6%, Cabernet Franc 2%, Petit Verdot 2%
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
3
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
15-18°C

Awards/Ratings
James Suckling 92; Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) ~90; Jeb Dunnuck ~90 (professional reviews for 2019 vintage)

Tasting Note
Dark purple; black cherry, blueberry compote, plum, mocha and dark chocolate with menthol and spice cake notes. Plush, medium–full body, juicy fine tannins and a spicy, lingering finish.

Food Pairing
Western: roasted lamb, braised short ribs, grilled steak, mushroom risotto, aged cheeses. Asian: Peking duck, char siu, Korean BBQ, braised beef with soy, rich red curry.

Production Method
Hand-harvested, sorted; ~39 days maceration; fermented in tank with a portion whole-berry; aged ~18–19 months in French oak (≈20% new).

Vineyard Info
Raymond Vineyards, founded 1970 in Rutherford (Napa Valley), now ~300 acres across Rutherford, St. Helena and Jameson Canyon; owned by Boisset Collection with organic/biodynamic estate parcels.