Napa Valley Wine Night

This was a fabulous Xmas present, three amazing Napa Valley wines. I really should have had them one at time, but could not resist tasting them together. Three vintages, three wine makers, one 100% Merlot and two Merlot, Cab, Cab Franc blends.

Paired these wines with a garlic crusted rack of lamb, fregola with mushrooms, rosemary, and sage and crispy lemon roasted brussels sprouts. Links recipes below.

Duckhorn Napa Merlot 2009

St. Helena, Napa California

90% Merlot
9% Cabernet Sauvignon
1% Cabernet Franc

"The aromas are rich and inviting with layers of amaretto, sweet spice and cedar. On the palate, lush flavors of plum, blackberry and cherry dominate, with the tannins adding structure and depth." Winemaker

2007 Monticello Vineyards Estate Grown Merlot

Home Ranch Vineyard – Napa Valley, Oak Knoll District and Knollwood Vineyard – Napa Valley, Oak Knoll District

From the famous Corley Family in Napa since i969.

“The first 40 years have prepared us for the next generation
as winegrowers in Napa Valley.”

— Jay Corley, Founder

This wine is showing great personality right on impact, the fruit is ripe and full of lightly jammy red-berry and creamy mocha aromas. This wine is full bodied and framed by light grip tannins. The light beam of acidity keeps the wine in balance."

Palazzo Napa Valley Red 2006

St.Helena CA

68% Merlot
22% Cabernet Franc
10% Cabernet Sauvignon

Robert Parker – Wine Advocate (94 Points)
"A sumptuous perfume of white chocolate, fruitcake, black cherries, black currants, and subtle toasty oak. Displaying a luscious texture, a broad, savory mid-palate and gorgeous length. It should drink nicely for 10 to 15+ years!”