BERINGER VINEYARDS
2016 MERLOT
BANCROFT RANCH VINEYARD
HOWELL MOUNTAIN | NAPA VALLEY
Merlots are known for supple fruit, and underlined elegance, but when grown at higher elevations they can have more concentrated and intense flavors.
A perfect illustration of this comes from Beringer’s Bancroft Ranch, which sits at 1800 feet elevation on Howell Mountain, just below DANA’s Hershey Vineyard (the DANA goes for around $600/btl).
As Jeb Dunnuck writes, this “ranks with the finest expressions of Merlot out there”, and with double 95 Point scores, and a great price to boot, don’t wait to secure yours.
Bancroft Vineyard is planted over well-drained white tufa, volcanic soils that in conjunction with the climate at 1800 feet on Howell Mountain produce powerfully concentrated fruit.
The winery has been making a single-vineyard Merlot from Bancroft Ranch since 1987.
The 2016 is 100% Merlot, and has more body than many Cabernets…
It spent 20 months in barrel, allowing the Howell Mountain tannins to soften, and the wine to become incredibly inviting, hedonistic and memorable.
BERINGER VINEYARDS
2016 MERLOT
BANCROFT RANCH VINEYARD
HOWELL MOUNTAIN | NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $90 per bottle
Members’ price: $79 per bottle
From JebDunnuck.com, “I loved the 2016 Merlot Bancroft Ranch, which ranks with the finest expressions of Merlot out there. Brought up in 50% new barrels, it reminds me of a top Pomerol with its ripe black cherry, chocolate, tobacco, and graphite aromas and flavors. With full-bodied richness, good acidity, and outstanding balance, drink it any time over the coming 10-15 years.” 95 Points
From JamesSuckling.com, “This is a chewy and flavorful wine with lots of juicy fruit and firm, chewy tannins. Full-bodied, rich and flavorful. Very structured and powerful. Tannic…” 95 Points
NOTE: All wines offered for sale on this website are sold through our affiliate and fulfillment partner, Wine Country Connection.
People that enjoy the Beringer Bancroft Ranch Merlot, may also enjoy these two outstanding Merlots…
DUCKHORN VINEYARDS
2016 MERLOT
THREE PALMS VINEYARD
NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $110.00 per bottle
Members’ price: $99.99
An iconic and benchmark of Napa Valley Merlot, Duckhorn produced another brilliant Merlot from the renowned Three Palms Vineyard.
From Wine Spectator, “Vibrant acidity supports polished flavors of plum tart, dried cherry and dark olive, backed by crisp tannins. Dark chocolate notes merge with herbal accents on the liltingly smoky finish. Drink now through 2024.” 93 Points —KM
EHLERS ESTATE
2016 MERLOT
ST. HELENA | NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $55.00 per bottle
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Winery Notes, “The 2017 Ehlers Estate Merlot is a beautifully balanced wine. A blend of 3 different clones, it’s a superb expression of the varietal, which I love to highlight. The wine has a red garnet color with deep layers. Aromas of raspberries, red currant, and candied cherries evolve into vanilla, licorice, and notes of smashed rocks. The oak notes accentuate the red fruit which makes it fragrant and interesting. This wine is medium to full-bodied, with bright acidity and firm tannins. The finish is long and full of candied cherries. Enjoyable now, but lovely in 10-15 years.”
