Reviews & Ratings

2018 Pellet Estate Merlot "Pellet Vineyard"

Winery: Pellet Estate

Vintage: 2018

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Pellet Vineyard"

Wine Category: Merlot

Grape blend: 100% Merlot

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Napa Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $80

Cases produced: unknown

KWG Score: 91 (based on 3 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (92)

Review date: December 28, 2021

Wine Review: This very dark ruby colored Merlot opens with a ripe black currant and black raspberry bouquet with hints of ripe black cherry and mocha. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied with medium acidity. The mouthfeel is round, balanced, and juicy. The flavor profile is red plum and mulberry blend with notes of spice and strawberry licorice. I also detected some old oak, cassis, and dusty minerality towards the end. The finish is dry, and its mild dusty tannins and spicy flavors linger nicely. This Merlot is initially a little tight, so we decanted it and it paired very nicely with my beef bourguignon. You can also try it with a grilled veal chop. Enjoy – Ken

Winemaker Notes: Our small block of Merlot yields some of the best we’ve encountered in the Valley. Depending on the vintage, and the amount of Merlot we select for use in Henry’s Reserve and our Cabernet program, we might not bottle a Merlot every year. Our Merlot is typically very concentrated, deep in color and rich in flavor. Our Merlot is made with inspiration from the great properties of the Right Bank in Bordeaux.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Pellet Estate 2018 Merlot.