Napa Cellars Merlot 2010

This bottle was given to me as a housewarming gift from my mother and step father.  Having tried a few different vintages of Napa Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as their Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel, I was eager to see if this Merlot offered the same great QPR that we have come to expect from Napa Valley.  Thankfully we all have yet another great wine to enjoy at the under $25 price point! This Merlot pours a dark garnet red colour, and opens to a lovely aroma of fig, over ripe blackberry, and a hint of oaky vanilla.  Smooth and silky on the palate, you can pick out layers of dark fruit on the tongue, a touch of warming spice, anise or clove perhaps.  Mellow, full bodied and lasting on the palate with uncompromising flavour and texture.  I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this, full of taste and supple tannin at only two years, this wine is a perfect example of why most of us should pick up a Merlot every now and again as opposed to the ever popular Cab Sauv.