Merryvale is a family owned Napa Valley winery and was the first winery built after the repeal of Prohibition. It is located in downtown St. Helena just adjacent to the wonderful Tra Vigne Restaurant. (That is where Meg and I got engaged!) It is a beautiful winery and they produce elegant wines. Meg bought this bottle direct from the winery the last time she was out in the Napa region. We enjoyed this bottle on Valentines night with a nice grilled rib eye with an arrabbiata sauce and a side of linguine with shrimp and lemon oil sauce. The pairing was delicious!
The 2002 Starmont Cabernet Sauvignon is 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc. It is relatively high in alcohol 14.5% but this is basically the norm for Napa Cabs. In the glass it has a dark rich plum color with strong legs. You will get aromas of violets, blackberries and cassis. On the palate, you will experience the well rounded tannins from the merlot along with flavors of dark fruit, subtle oak and a long smooth finish.
I have been cellaring this wine for several years and we opened it at just the right time, 10 years from the harvest. It probably could have gone another couple of years in the bottle, but I am glad we opened it when we did!
Cheers!
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