Rombauer Napa Valley Merlot 2022

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Rombauer
Label Name:
 
Napa Valley Merlot
Vintage:
 
2022
Country:
 
United States
Region:
 
Napa Valley (primarily Napa-side Carneros).
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
14.8%
Grape(s):
 
Merlot (81%), Petit Verdot (12%), Cabernet Sauvignon (7%).
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
3
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
James Suckling 91; Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 91; Wine Enthusiast 91

Tasting Note
Ripe black plum, black cherry, dried cranberry and blackberry with hints of mint, warm pie crust, dark chocolate and vanilla. Plush, silky texture, fine tannins, bright acidity and a long, juicy finish.

Food Pairing
Western: braised lamb, roast beef, mushroom risotto, lasagna Bolognese, mac & cheese. Asian: char siu (Cantonese BBQ pork), Korean beef bulgogi or galbi, hoisin-glazed duck, braised pork belly, rich noodle dishes with umami sauces.

Production Method
Sourced mainly from Napa-side Carneros; fruit is destemmed, cold-soaked, fermented in tank and partly in barrel, then basket-pressed. Aged ~17 months in French oak (≈30% new); underwent malolactic fermentation.

Vineyard Info
Rombauer Vineyards was founded by Koerner and Joan Rombauer in 1980; family-run until acquisition by E.&J. Gallo in 2023. Known for estate and grower-partner vineyards in Carneros and fruit-driven, approachable wines.