Rutherford Hill Merlot

A stellar example of why Rutherford Hill is king of the Merlot world, the 2004 vintage is rich with aromas of berries and cocoa. Flavors of dark cherries and chocolate abound in this soft and fleshy, balanced Merlot. The finish is silky and lingering with a hint of vanilla, cinnamon and tobacco. Delicious, alone as an aperitif, as well as when paired with hearty foods like roasts, lamb and steak.

Region Description

This tiny strip of land just north of San Francisco is home to America’s most prestigious wineries. Its climate is ideal for viticulture. Ironically, it was deemed too ideal for some vintners, who have moved their vineyards from the valley’s flat plain to the hills in the east and west, adhering to the idea that grapes that struggle to grow yield better wine. The climate, soil, and individual wineries are enormously varied, so it’s impossible to identify a singular trait of Napa wines. In addition, nearly every noble grape is grown here, although Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are the primary grapes. In the past, Napa’s wines have alternated between extremely fruity and fat to lean and subtle. Today the best Napa wines have achieved a balance between these extremes. Many are made to be drunk young and have abundant ripe fruit; others can be initially hard and tannic, but soften over four or five years to perfumed, cedary fruit. White Napa wines are excellent with fresh-grilled fish and chicken, but can also cope with more spicy and creamy flavors. Many Napa reds will overwhelm delicate cuisine, but rich red meat and cheeses do make good companions.