2019 | Rombauer Vineyards | Napa Valley Merlot

Ripe black plum, black tea and mint aromas mingle in the glass with subtle scents of spice, freshly baked pie crust, and vanilla. This wine's lively palate jumps with cherry and plum flavors with a touch of mint and hint of spice, all giving way to notes of dark chocolate and vanilla. Its signature palate is framed by very fine, yet soft tannins and a refreshing length, enhanced by its acidity.

Reviews:

• Wine Enthusiast: Clear, direct fruit flavors such as red cherries and cranberries are nicely framed in moderate tannins and balanced acidity, while spicy accents of clove and cedar weave in as you sip.

• James Suckling: Aromas of ripe cherries and red plums with red licorice, mocha and wet stones. Medium- to full-bodied with polished tannins and chalky texture. Fresh mix of red and dark fruit on the mid-palate, with a juicy finish and notes of savory herbs at the end.

Producer Information

Rombauer Vineyards was established in 1980 in the Napa Valley by Joan and Koerner Rombauer. The first grapes came from grower vineyards in the Stags Leap District and the wine was produced at the Shafer Vineyards, as well as in Koerner's own garage. Today, Rombauer produces wines from both estate and grower vineyards, predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel. In 1982, the Rombauers built their own winery near the family estate in the St Helena hills. That year, they crushed their first Chardonnay grapes and, for the next 15 years, the winery acted as a start-up base for many of today's most well-known producers, including Spottswoode, Dominus and Merryvale. Up until the late 1980s, all the grapes that went into the production of Rombauer wine came from grower vineyards located around the Napa and Sonoma Valleys as well as Carneros. In 1988, Rombauer purchased its first estate vineyard in the St Helena hills, near the winery. It was named Joan's Vineyard after its founder, and contained old vine Zinfandel as well as some plantings of Petite Sirah. In 2002, Buchli Station Vineyard in Carneros was added to the portfolio and planted to Merlot and Chardonnay. By 2013, Rombauer owned vineyards in Atlas Peak, St Helena, Calistoga, the Sierra Foothills, Sonoma and Carneros. Rombauer also still sources grapes from grower vineyards located around California. Today, Rombauer produces a wide range of wines, from single-vineyard selections to regional blends. The portfolio includes three styles of dessert wine – a late-harvest Chardonnay, a fortified Zinfandel and a fortified blend of five varieties rarely found outside of Portugal: Souzao, Alvarelhao, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Cão and Bastardo. Joan Rombauer, who was also national sales director for Stag's Leap Wine Cellars for 12 years, died of pancreatic cancer in 2002 and Koerner, a former commercial pilot and pilot in the California National Guard, died in 2018. The winery is currently overseen by daughter and son Sheana and KR Rombauer.

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