Raymond Reserve Selection Merlot 2021

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Raymond
Label Name:
 
Reserve Selection Merlot
Vintage:
 
2021
Country:
 
United States
Region:
 
Napa Valley, California
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
14.5%
Grape(s):
 
85% Merlot, 7% Petite Sirah, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
3
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
Wine Enthusiast 92 pts (2021); James Suckling 92; Vinous 91; Wine Advocate 90; Reserve Selection wines have earned Double Gold/Best of Class honors at Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge (related Reserve vintages)

Tasting Note
Dark plum, blackberry and black cherry with rose petal, mocha and espresso. Medium–full body, silky texture, subtle oak spice and a smooth, chocolate-tinged finish.

Food Pairing
Western: roasted lamb, braised short ribs, mushroom risotto, grilled steaks, aged cheddar. Asian: Peking duck, char siu (Cantonese BBQ pork), Korean BBQ (bulgogi), beef teriyaki, mildly spiced Szechuan beef.

Production Method
Hand-harvested fruit; extended maceration (~29 days); aged ~19 months in French oak (≈21% new); bottled unfiltered.

Vineyard Info
Raymond Vineyards (est. 1970) is a Rutherford, Napa Valley estate with vineyards in Rutherford, St. Helena and Jameson Canyon; noted for organic/biodynamic certified sites and Reserve Selection bottlings.