Stags' Leap Winery Merlot Napa Valley 2009

Winemaker Notes - The Stags' Leap Napa Valley Merlot has significant structure that is complemented by soft, supple tannins. The 2008 blend highlights how complex Merlot can be, starting with aromas of clove and cocoa followed by intense flavor notes of black cherry, plum and coffee.

A stunning success for its wonderfully extracted, complex meacute;lange of blackberry, cassis, sweet anise, plum and cured tobacco. Thatrsquo;s what rigorous selection can accomplish in a so-so vintage. The flavors are wrapped in the rich, sweet tannins and balanced acids yoursquo;d expect from this appellation. Might age, but best now through next year.

Dark, rich and concentrated, with flavors that veer into herb, mulch and blackberry. Mouthcoating tannins on the finish. Best from 2004 through 2009.

This is a seriously good Merlot. They got the fruit gorgeously ripe so that it bursts with sunny cassis and cherry flavor, and then they drenched it with high-end toasted oak. Near-perfect tannins, and just-right acidity provide the finishing touches. Elegant.

Plush, spicy, plummy and generous, with opulent currant, plum and chocolate aromas and flavors, finely integrated tannins and a sense of elegance that persists through the tasty finish. Best to drink after 1995.

There is a ripeness and concentration to this wine that represents a new style. Although elegantly structured, the wine has lots of extraction and a new level of density. But it still has the briary character that is the trademark of Stagrsquo;s Leap Merlot, layered with aromas of fresh and dried herbs and flavors of black cherry, raspberry jam, lemon grass and Belgian hot cocoa. It is truly a wine with a sense of place.

A silky, inviting wine with lush fruit centered on black cherries and red plums, with a hint of blackberry and a sprinkling of chocolate and spice. the finish is long and rich, with echoes of the opening fruit.