2015 Merlot
Because Merlot flourishes in relatively cool growing regions with moist soils, it’s extremely well-suited to the ancient alluvial loams, temperate climate, and long growing season of our estate vineyard in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, a sweet spot between Napa’s warmer up-valley regions and its cool southern tip.
Vintage
- 2014
Varietal
-
95% Merlot
3% Cabernet Sauvignon
2% Malbec
Appellation
- Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley
Estate Vineyard
-
100% Main Ranch
Harvest
- September 14-30
Oak
- 18 months in (40% new)
56% French
30% American
14% Hungarian
Alcohol
- 14.1%
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The 2014 vintage was rather exciting. We feel very fortunate to have brought in such fantastic grapes in a year that was marked by severe drought and a significant earthquake here in Napa just as harvest began. The weather throughout the growing season was absolutely perfect, with our classic warm days and cool nights. We brought in grapes from each block as they reached ideal ripeness and have produced wines of truly exceptional quality.
The WineOur Merlot delights from the start with a lovely nose of dark cherry and plum. The aroma gives way to savory notes of black pepper, mushrooms and chocolate. The wine is lush and silky tannins back up a full, strong palate with great structure through the end.
Food AffinitiesA few twists of a black pepper grinder over a dish or in a marinade creates a lovely combination with Merlot. This is a great choice for spaghetti with meatballs and any dish featuring milder meats.
Accolades93 POINTS (v. 2015)
Wine Enthusiast July 2018
91 POINTS (v. 2015)
The Tasting Panel April 2018
DOUBLE GOLD ~ 99 POINTS
~ BEST OF CLASS (v. 2015)
California State Fair Wine Competition
April 2018
GOLD-92 POINTS (v. 2014)
Winemaker Challenge January 2017
92 POINTS (v. 2013)
Wine Enthusiast September 2016
94 POINTS (v. 2013)
“Trefethen thankfully remains committed to this unfairly maligned grape, and continues to turn out some of the best examples in California...Those in the know always have some Trefethen Merlot stashed away for when their wine loving friends come around.”
Rich Cook, Wine Review Online March 2016
92 POINTS (v. 2012)
James Suckling July 2015
BEST MERLOT OF THE SHOW ~
94 POINTS ~ PLATINUM (v. 2012)
•San Diego International Wine Competition
June 2015
•Critics Challenge June 2015
GOLD (v. 2012)
TEXSOM International Wine Competition
February 2015
93 POINTS (v. 2007)
“Easily one of the best Napa Valley Merlots
out there.”
Editors’ Choice Wine Enthusiast Magazine
Vintage 2002 "...Reminds me of the best merlots produced in the Pomerol region of France..."
Bob Hosmon, Syndicated Columnist
Vintage 2001 "...reminiscent of the ethereal, merlot-based wines made by Christian Moueix in Pomerol..."
Ben Giliberti, Washington Post
