Merryvale
Merryvale’s building has deep historical roots, as it was the first winery built in the Napa Valley post Prohibition. Located in the heart of St. Helena, Merryvale continues to be owned by the Schlatter Family. Winemakers Sean Foster and Graham Wehmeier create a variety of wines, including the Starmont and Prestige lines. According to our Merryvale ratings, the Silhouette (a Chardonnay-based wine) and Profile (a Bordeaux-blend), both apart of the Prestige line, have received the highest accolades. Stylistically, Merryvale wines tout rich flavors and supple textures––qualities imparted by the French oak barrels used to mature the wines as well as the lack of filtration prior to bottling. Today, Merryvale produces about 100,000 cases per year, with the majority of production being wines from the eco-friendly Starmont line. For a full list of rated and reviewed wines from this Napa Valley winery, visit our Merryvale wine reviews.
Showing 1 thru -9 of 134
Merryvale 2008 Profile Red (Napa Valley)
- Cellar Selection
- $165
A tremendous wine that shows how Merryvale is absolutely at the top of its game. Impeccable in structure, with refined tannins that are soft and firm at the same time, and a fine cut of acidity. Entirely dry, the Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend is awesome in blackberry, cherry, cassis and oak flavors, with complexities of anise, soy sauce, grilled meats and minerals…
— S.H.
(11/1/2011)
Merryvale 1998 Profile Red (Napa Valley)
- Cellar Selection
- $90
Sleek, smooth and elegant, with fine tannins that frame a wine that’s flush with plum, cassis, anise, herb and chocolate flavors. Plush and velvety on the palate, it’s got a finish that doesn’t quit. Cabernet doesn’t get much better, anytime or anywhere.
— J.M.
(12/1/2001)
Merryvale 2008 Cabernet Franc (Napa Valley)
- $90
A rare Cabernet Franc from Merry-vale, and a spectacular one. They’ve handled this finicky variety just right, although surely the addition of some Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec adds weight and tone. The wine is dry, richly tannic and enormously flavorful, offering waves of cherries, red currants, red licorice, cola, sweet cedar wood and even savory hints of bacon…
— S.H.
(11/1/2011)
Merryvale 2003 Beckstoffer Vineyard Clone Six Cabernet Sauvignon (Rutherford)
- $95
Very ripe and aromatic, throwing out cascades of inviting scents. New toasty oak dominates, with undercurrents of blackberry jam, blueberry, mocha and anise. In the mouth, huge, lush, powerful, an explosively fruity young wine, yet maintains balance and elegance. Really good. Best now–2015.
— S.H.
(12/15/2006)
Merryvale 2006 Profile Red (Napa Valley)
- $135
Profile has been an important, but sometimes overlooked, member of the Napa Valley pantheon for many years, and their ’06 shows why. It’s a rich, complex and smooth wine. Packed with blackberry, cassis and smoky, new oak flavors, it shows a firm structure of tannins and acidity. Beautiful now with a grilled steak, and should age well for at least a decade.
— S.H.
(12/31/2009)
Merryvale 2004 Profile Red (Napa Valley)
- Cellar Selection
- $125
Merryvale’s Profile remains a star year after year. The ’04 is nearly all Cabernet Sauvignon, and stuns with its power. With a smooth, complex tannin structure, it’s rich in currants, blackberries and cedar, but is too young to open now. Should hit its stride around 2010 and continue to develop for some years after. Tasted twice, with consistent results.
— S.H.
(12/1/2008)
Merryvale 2009 Profile Red (Napa Valley)
- Cellar Selection
- $165
This falls midway between the spectacular ’08 and the elegant ’07. Based on Cabernet Sauvignon, its grapes were grown in St. Helena. The wine shows softly lush tannins and deep, complex flavors of red fruit, berry, licorice, cocoa and mineral that easily stand up to 100% new French oak. Don’t open it until at least 2018, and it should develop for many years afterward.
— S.H.
(8/1/2012)
Merryvale 1997 Beckstoffer Vyd Red (Napa Valley)
- $45
Deep aromas of blackberry and leather with unusual nut and cookie-dough accents announce this rich, flavorful offering. Nicely layered fruit, with black currant and cocoa accents on the palate. Everything rides on the full, supple mouthfeel before dipping into the dark, handsomely structured finish. Hold for three years.
— W.E.
(11/1/2000)
Showing 1 thru -9 of 134
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