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Last week we were afforded the opportunity to taste current releases from Trefethen Family Winery. All of the wines were excellent and all of the wines are fairly priced To make things even better, they were kind enough to give us pricing which is more than fair. So speaking of "more than fair ", what is better than a complex, layered and highly polished special occasion red for under $35.00.
Now that you have read all that, we are speaking of the 2012 Trefethen Family Oak Knoll District Napa Merlot. If the specification "Merlot " in some way disturbs your sensibilities, think of this bottle as a top tier Bordeaux style Red because that is what it is. Four Bordeaux variatels are used in the blending of this seamless red. 3 different types of oak in both old and new are used to achieve complex layering. Possibly most importantly , Merlot likes some cool weather. The 2012 vintage was unusual in Napa given the days were typically warm but the nights were far cooler than normal, weather which resembles the right bank of Bordeaux. All of this comes together to make for an excitingly seamless , highly polished bottle of wine.
The Flavor Profile: Michele and I both were completely enamored by this Merlot at first sip ( out of 7 bottles this is the one we polished off completely) . Blueberry for days was the first conclusion which we both came to , and the flavor profile is packed with blueberry, some raspberry gets into the mix at mid palate and the finish is luxurious . We debated the finish but my impression is mixed dark berry with white chocolate and a hint of allspice and clove. YUMMY REGARDLESS. If the 2012 Trefethen Merlot sounds like a bottle you would e
njoy, your price is $34.95 per, 5% off 6, 10% off 12
All of the very best , Rex and Michele
Blend: 89% Merlot, 8% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Cabernet Sauvignon
92 POINTS
(v. 2012)
James Suckling
July 2015
"A pretty and balanced red with chocolate, olive and blueberry character. Full body, firm tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Lovely tension and vivacity. Drink or hold."
90 POINTS
(v. 2012)
Wine Enthusiast September 2015
Incorporating a small amount of Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a floral Merlot, with notes of violet counterpointed by barbecue smokiness and earth. Big, rich tannins are dry and robust, veering on full bodied, before the acidity in the wine pulls things back into balance.
BEST MERLOT OF THE SHOW ~ 94 POINTS ~ PLATINUM
(v. 2012)
* San Diego International Wine Competition
January 2015
* Critics Challenge
June 2015
91 POINTS ~ VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
(v. 2012)
California Grapevine
May 2015
GOLD
(v. 2012)
TEXSOM International Wine Awards
February 2015
95 POINTS
(v. 2012)
"Merlot is an important part of their portfolio, and it's always one of the
top California examples." Rich Cook, Wine Review Online
January 2015
