Reviews & Ratings

2008 Freemark Abbey Merlot "Napa Valley"

Winery: Freemark Abbey

Vintage: 2008

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Napa Valley"

Wine Category: Merlot

Grape blend: 79.3% Merlot, 8.6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4.4% Petit Verdot, 3.3% Malbec, 2.6% Petite Sirah, & 1.8% Cabernet Franc

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Napa Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $30

Cases produced: 5,700

KWG Score: 88.2 (based on 4 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good (88)

Review date: September 2, 2011

Wine Review: This opaque and dark ruby colored Merlot opens with a ripe blackberry bouquet with hints of black cherry, black pepper, and cedar. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, balanced, and approachable. The flavor profile is a gentle tart plum with integrated oak and a touch of blackberry. The finish is dry and its moderate tannins and fruit are prolonged. The panel suggested that this wine would pair well with blackened tuna or lamb chops. Enjoy - KWGTP

Winemaker Notes: The color is a deep and rich ruby-garnet. With integrated spicy sweet oak, there are layers of flavor composed of black cherry, black currant, plum, mincemeat, juniper berry, mushroom, vanilla and dark chocolate, with an underlining complexity of leather and tobacco. The entry and finish are very smooth with integrated fruit resembling black cherry and a rich dark currant syrup. With an extended length of flavor that is very pleasant, this wine is very inviting….you can’t stop with just one glass!

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Freemark Abbey 2008 Merlot.