Provenance Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot 2008
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The firm tannin structure beautifully supports the highly extracted flavors, making it an outstanding food wine, especially with grilled or roasted beef, lamb, pork or game, or with wild mushrooms. As a "foodie" as well as a winemaker, Chris recommends this Merlot with Moroccan lamb tagine and couscous with fragrant spices and preserved lemons.
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Wine Spectator
Sleek and elegant, with red currant and tomato leaf notes to the appealing cherry and cedar flavors. Drink now through 2015. 7,400 cases made.
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Enthusiast
Over the years, the brand has passed through the hands of two corporate owners. And in November 2021, the Allen Lombardi family acquired Provenance Vineyards. Attracted to its rich history, timeless style and strong growth potential, the Lombardis are committed to building the next chapter of the brand – increasing domestic distribution (and expanding globally) in fine wine shops and restaurants. The goal is make Provenance Vineyards wine more accessible to Napa wine lovers throughout the world.
As Napa Valley’s third most planted grape, Napa Valley Merlot shows time and time again its potential to produce exceptional results. Napa’s vaunted combination of climate, soil and the human factor of winemaking expertise lead to big, ripe, cellar-worthy and world-class versions.
Whether made by itself in single varietal bottlings or as an important role in Bordeaux Blends, Merlot continues a prominent role in this famous region. While Cabernet typically takes the lead role, Merlot’s contribution—even at 10% to 20% or so—is significant indeed. Often described as “the flesh on Cabernet’s bones,” Merlot lends a soft, round and plush character that beautifully complements Cabernet’s linear, full-throttle structure. Its flavors of plums plus subtle herbs and mint also dovetail nicely with Cabernet’s blackberry and cassis.