Wine Profile: Merryvale Vineyards

^{This post has been sponsored by Merryvale Vineyards. The following message is intended for those 21+. All opinions expressed are my own. Please enjoy responsibly.}

Today we’re revisiting California wine country, courtesy of Merryvale Vineyards, based in the Golden State’s Napa Valley. We’ll be taking a look at their 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon and their 2022 Chardonnay. As always, we’ll provide a quick overview of the Napa region, before moving on to the wines themselves, along with pairings to ensure you get the most out of these bottles.

Now, let’s get tasting.

The Where – Napa Valley, California

Despite only having produced wine commercially since the 19th century, Napa has become one of the world’s premier wine regions, while California as a whole has come to produce more than 84% of all American wine, while all but monopolizing America’s premier wine producing talent.

I’ve had Napa described to me – rightly or wrongly – as “Combine the best terroirs of Greece and Argentina, and you have an idea of what makes wine production in Napa such a delight.” However, given how Greek wine toils in relative obscurity, and how Argentinian wine production and profitability has yet to even approach that of California, one can only fairly assume that there must be more to the Napa story.

One might point to the fateful 1976 blind tasting in Paris, where Napa wines beat out a host of then-revered French labels to secure what can even now only be described as a reversal of monumental proportions. Fair enough. However, even with that in mind, there must be something ‘more,’ as many, many wine regions and little-known labels have had their share of ‘upstart’ awards and recognitions, only to fade back into obscurity.

In truth, it was how Napa ‘capitalized’ on that resounding 1976 Paris win. Ever since, Napa has been on the receiving end of a well-funded decades’ long marketing campaign whose brilliance and reach has been positively Napoleonic. Combined with the strategic production of what’s popular among the consumer-class as opposed to the critic class, all while being guided, winnowed, and whipped by quality enforcement standards that rival or exceed even the very best French AOCs (protected wine regions), has resulted in the modern Napa Valley phenomenon – a combination that other wine regions around the world, including the Old World, would do well to learn from.

As a result, Napa’s success can be summed up as one-part enviable climate, one part Napoleonic marketing, and one-part draconian quality enforcement.

The Bottles – A Showcase

First up, we’ll be taking a look at Merryvale’s 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Next, we’ll be looking at Merryvale’s 2022 Chardonnay.

Aromatics and Tasting – The Review

Merryvale’s 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon: This is what I’ll describe as a by-the-book Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, and by that I mean this wine is up front with ripe, dark fruit notes such as plum and cassis, with savory essences in the background, such as antique wood and dried flowers. One the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with a pleasant acidity and fine tannins. Ending on a lasting finish, this was a very enjoyable wine from beginning to end.

Merryvale’s 2022 Chardonnay: The wine greets with a golden straw color, with notes of honey or honeycomb off the top of the glass, with notes of sliced pear and slate or damp gravel. On second whiff, there are hints of white flowers and grass. On the palate, the wine features honey apple with the juicy pear from the bouquet carrying over quite nicely. The wine features a balanced mouthfeel, medium acidity, and a full body. Very pleasant.

What to Eat – The Pairings

With the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon: Hardy and substantial. Ribs, steaks, and red sauces are all candidates. Something like a braised rib stew set over pasta would pair beautifully. You might also consider something like a prime rib prepared with a curry and cayenne-based rub with garlic, coriander and cumin would also pair deliciously. A roasted rack of lamb crusted with plenty of herbs and garlic, would also pair deliciously. Beyond meat, think hardy red sauces over pasta, or meaty fish such as grilled shark, or baked eggplant parmigiana. Think heavy, think rich, think substantial.

With the 2022 Chardonnay: This chardonnay is not a delicate white wine that will find itself shy around food. For starters, I can see it pairing well with something like my “Healthier General Tso’s Chicken,” which features panko-crusted chicken coated in a spicy orange sauce. On the other hand, I might also pair this with one my favorite Provencal classics; sausage and potatoes tossed with sweet onions and cherry tomatoes. As always, however, this chardonnay would make an excellent accompaniment to a lush charcuterie board, featuring things like Coppa Italiana, Panino Al Prosciutto, Salame di Parma, crusty bread, garlic butter, dried fruit, and crostini.

And that’s our feature for the Merryvale Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. If you enjoyed today’s feature, or tried either of the wines, be sure to let us know in the comments below. We always love hearing from you.

Cheers!