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.
Merryvale 2010 Silhouette Chardonnay (Napa Valley)
- Online Exclusive
- $65
This is a good wine, but it relies too much on oak, overwhelming it with buttered toast and caramel. The result is a rich but unbalanced wine, with underlying orange, pineapple and peach flavors.
— S.H.
(5/1/2013)
Merryvale 2009 Starmont Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
- Online Exclusive
- $27
A solid if unexciting Cabernet, dry, tannic and balanced. Shows blackberry and black currant flavors that are tinged with smoky oak. Drink now.
— S.H.
(5/1/2013)
Merryvale 2006 Pinot Noir (Carneros)
- $35
Easy and dry, this Pinot comes from the Stanly Ranch, on the Napa side of the appellation. It’s soft and gentle, with cola, Dr. Pepper and cherry flavors made complex by smoky new oak. Drink now.
— S.H.
(9/1/2008)
Merryvale 2007 Pinot Noir (Carneros)
- $35
Does a good job at capturing Pinot’s silky texture and the earthy, mushroomy notes that provide a grounding to the ripe red cherries and cola. Oak adds the perfect touch of smoky vanilla and spicy sandalwood. A lovely wine, and should develop nuance in the bottle through 2013.
— S.H.
(12/31/2009)
Merryvale 2001 Beckstoffer Vineyards Las Amigas Vineyard Merlot (Carneros)
- $39
The tannins and acids hit the palate broadside, leaving it dry and rasping. There are some cherry flavors deep inside, and of course oak. Not likely to age.
— S.H.
(12/15/2004)
Merryvale 2002 Syrah (Napa Valley)
- $30
A bit peppery and herbal, but with plenty of crisp, tangy fruit at its core. The overall impression is of a wine that’s a bit rustic and rough but solid and well made.
— W.E.
(9/1/2005)
Merryvale 2002 Starmont Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
- $25
Ripe, full-bodied and dry, this Cabernet has tons of forward fruit flavor wrapped in heavy tannins, but the acidity is low, and the wine feels soft. It’s a bit one-dimensional, but elegant enough. Drink now.
— S.H.
(8/1/2006)
Merryvale 2004 Silhouette Chardonnay (Napa Valley)
- Online Exclusive
- $48
A beat or two off the pace of previous vintages, the ’04 is a little soft and one-dimensional. Tastes like it was baked by the heat, with jammy white and yellow fruit flavors that have a trace of bitterness.
— S.H.
(12/1/2008)
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