Chappellet 2021 Merlot, Napa Valley 750ml

Chappellet 2021 Merlot, Napa Valley 750ml

The Wine This supple and beautifully structured mountain-grown Merlot continues to remind wine lovers how delicious and age-worthy Merlot can be. It was aged for 22 months in French oak barrels (40% new), and was blended with the three other red Bordeaux varieties for added depth and complexity. Growing Season & Harvest The 2021 growing season began with one of the driest winters on record, followed by a mild spring and summer with no adverse heat events. Due to the lack of precipitation, canopy growth was limited and the vines produced very small berries and clusters. To ensure ideal ripening and flavor development we closely monitored vine water stress and applied a highly targeted irrigation strategy. While the drought yielded a small crop, the long, temperate growing season combined with ideal harvest weather produced dark and powerful wines with concentrated aromas and flavors, excellent structure and lush, mouthcoating tannins. Tasting Notes Beautifully complex and remarkably aromatic, this wine draws you in with layers of black cherry, ripe plum, red currant and forest floor, as well as oak-inspired hints of roasted coffee, tobacco leaf, anise, clove and cocoa powder. On the smooth, supple palate, flavors of lush dark cherry, cassis, and spice are framed by fine-grained tannins. Though lovely in its youth, another 3-5 years of aging will bring additional complexity and elegance to this luxurious Merlot.