Reviews & Ratings

2006 Chappellet Merlot "Napa Valley"

Winery: Chappellet

Vintage: 2006

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Napa Valley"

Wine Category: Merlot

Grape blend: 89% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, & 5% Malbec

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Napa Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $30

Cases produced: 3,875

KWG Score: 90.4 (based on 5 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (91)

Review date: September 17, 2009

Wine Review: This dark ruby colored Merlot from Chappellet was the winner of our big blind tasting in August. It opens with a spicy black raspberry bouquet. On the palate, this Merlot is full bodied, nicely balanced, structured and velvety. The flavor profile is a very tasty blueberry with notes of spice and smoke detected. The finish is rather dry and its well managed tannins drift away nicely. The panel really enjoyed this complex Merlot and felt it was a lot of wine for the money. They would pair it with a NY Strip steak. Enjoy - KWGTP

Winemaker Notes: A rich, silky and hedonistic Merlot, this wine begins with vibrant aromatics of raspberry and red and black cherry, accented by clove, anise, and a hint of pepper. The sweet, enticing nose segues to soft, supple layers of juicy, ripe fruit, underscored by darker elements of sugar, smoke, molasses and spicy oak.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Chappellet 2006 Merlot.