![Oberon Merlot 2022 (Napa Valley, California) - [WE 92]](http://artisan.wine/cdn/shop/files/oberon-merlot-bottle-new-1125x4000_1_{width}x.jpg?v=1762992803)
Oberon Merlot 2022
(Napa Valley, California) - [WE 92]
Regular price $30.00 Sale price $24.99 Save $5.01
About this Wine:
Napa Valley native and winemaker, Tony Coltrin, brings 50 years of winemaking experience to Oberon, with expertise insourcing quality fruit from the best vineyards in the valley and understanding the region’s uniqueness for growing classic Bordeaux varieties. His long-standing relationships with local growers ensure a consistency in the quality of the grapes grown in premier Napa Valley sub-appellations for Oberon.
Tasting Notes:
Dense black fruit aromas are followed by boysenberry and chocolate flavors, and supple tannins on the palate. Tony sources Syrah and Zinfandel in small lots specifically for this blend as they marry beautifully with this Merlot and bring out the rich character of this delicious expressive Oakville fruit. Using Syrah and Zinfandel as blenders adds a dark velvety feel to the lush berry flavor profile of the Merlot.
Winemaking Notes:
To naturally soften tannins and enhance varietal complexity, Tony allowed the grapes to undergo extended maceration. He then pressed the wine and transferred it to French oak barrels (45% new oak) to undergo a long malolactic fermentation for roundness and depth for 12 months.
Vineyard Notes:
To create Oberon Merlot, Tony sourced grapes from Napa Valley’s renowned Oakville district. The deeper alluvial soils along with the perfect balance of cool mornings and warm afternoons make this the perfect location for growing Bordeaux varietals. Tony sources Syrah and Zinfandel in small lots specifically for this blend as they marry beautifully with this Merlot and bring out the rich character of this delicious expressive Oakville fruit.
Ratings & Reviews
92 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"To create Oberon Merlot, Tony sourced grapes from Napa Valley’s renowned Oakville district. The deeper alluvial soils along with the perfect balance of cool mornings and warm afternoons make this the perfect location for growing Bordeaux varietals. Tony sources Syrah and Zinfandel in small lots specifically for this blend as they marry beautifully with this Merlot and bring out the rich character of this delicious expressive Oakville fruit. A dense, rich, beautiful Merlot of exceptional quality and character. Using Syrah and Zinfandel as blenders, adds a dark velvety feel to the lush berry flavor profile of the Merlot. Dense black fruit aromas are followed by boysenberry and chocolate flavors, and supple tannins on the palate."
"To create Oberon Merlot, Tony sourced grapes from Napa Valley’s renowned Oakville district. The deeper alluvial soils along with the perfect balance of cool mornings and warm afternoons make this the perfect location for growing Bordeaux varietals. Tony sources Syrah and Zinfandel in small lots specifically for this blend as they marry beautifully with this Merlot and bring out the rich character of this delicious expressive Oakville fruit. A dense, rich, beautiful Merlot of exceptional quality and character. Using Syrah and Zinfandel as blenders, adds a dark velvety feel to the lush berry flavor profile of the Merlot. Dense black fruit aromas are followed by boysenberry and chocolate flavors, and supple tannins on the palate."