From Napa’s historic Mt. George Vineyard, this Merlot is rich yet refined, with layers of plum, cherry, and pomegranate balanced by notes of tobacco, spice, and cocoa. Silky tannins and a long finish showcase both power and elegance.

James Suckling | JS 93
Published: Jan 27, 2024

This hefty wine is nevertheless smooth and velvety, filled with almost-sweet red and black plums and even strawberries. Mineral and chalk elements fill out the flavors, adding an elegant, almost delicate expression on the palate and finish. Drink or hold.

Wine Enthusiast | WE 92
Published: Jan 7, 2024

Structural and persistent, this Merlot fills the mouth with flavors of mixed cherries, coffee and wet tobacco. Tannins are firm while fine grained and lingering, coating the mouth with impressive structure and making a nice accompaniment to a meal.

Silveradovineyards.com

Located east of Napa, our Mt George Vineyard is the site of one of the first grape plantings in the valley in the 19th century. The deep soils derived from volcanic shale and tufa yield Merlot fruit of power and structure.

Vintage 2021
MT. GEORGE (100%) – Located east of Napa in Coombsville, Mt. George Vineyard is the site of one of the first grape plantings in the valley in the 19th century. It climbs the western slopes of an ancient volcano whose name the vineyard bears.

Soils + Climate
The cooler climate and deep, gravelly soils derived from volcanic rock and ash provide depth to this structured Merlot.

Vintage
The 2021 vintage will be remembered for its high-quality, with intensely flavored, small-sized berries and a smooth harvest season. The season started off with very little rain, leading to the second year of dry conditions in Napa Valley, creating a more natural load on the vines, requiring less pruning and dropping of fruit. The resulting grapes produced an amazing vintage.

Tasting Notes
Aromas of savory herbs such as dried bay leaf and thyme join earthy tobacco leaves and sweet clove. The wine hits the palate with a silky, smooth texture and juicy bright red fruits suggesting pomegranate and berries. Well integrated oak, earth, and spice notes complement the fruit and lead to a long cocoa finish. 

Technical Specs

Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Natural Cork
Harvest: 2021
Oak: 17 months in French and Hungarian oak barrels
Varietals: 96% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc
Farming: Sustainable practices; specific certification not confirmed
Vineyard Area: Mt. George Vineyard, located in Coombsville, Napa Valley
Harvest: Hand-picked from the estate vineyard during the 2021 harvest season
Vinification: Fermented with an average maceration period of 17 days to extract colour, flavour and tannin. Matured in French and Hungarian oak barrels to develop structure, complexity and integrated oak character
Winemaker: Alison Rodriguez
Region: Coombsville, Napa Valley, California, USA

Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
Decanting: 30–60 minutes
Food Pairing: Grilled beef, roast lamb, duck, venison, braised short ribs, roasted vegetables, mushrooms and mature hard cheeses