Reviews & Ratings

2013 Cakebread Cellars Merlot "Napa Valley"

Winery: Cakebread Cellars

Vintage: 2013

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Napa Valley"

Wine Category: Merlot

Grape blend: 95% Merlot & 5% Cabernet Sauvignon

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Napa Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $54

Cases produced: 3,000

KWG Score: 88.6 (based on 3 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (90)

Review date: November 23, 2016

Wine Review: This opaque and very dark ruby colored Napa Valley Merlot from Cakebread opens with a mild black cherry bouquet with a hint of cranberry and oak. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, balanced, and juicy. The flavor profile is a cherry and oak blend with notes of nicely integrated minerality. I also detected a touch of black pepper and cranberry. The finish is dry and its dusty tannins stick around for a little while. I would pair this Merlot with a pan seared flat iron steak. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: Fragrant ripe black cherry, red plum and blackberry aromas, complemented by whiffs of black tea, oak and chocolate, introduce this bold, beautifully structured Merlot. Rich and plump on the palate with lush cherry, plum and red currant flavors framed by firm, yet fine-grained tannins, it culminates in a long finish accented by zesty tea-leaf spice tones. Delicious now, this youthful Merlot will benefit from another 5-7 years’ aging. Pair with pomegranate braised lamb shanks.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Cakebread 2013 Merlot.