Whitehall Lane 2016 Merlot Napa Valley   

 

Whitehall Lane Merlot, Napa Valley 2016

NVWE Notes: Plush and juicy-ripe, this is an immediately appealing, beautifully focused Merlot with forthcoming aromas of mulberry, blueberry, black cherry, sweet vanilla, sandalwood, and baking spices. It proves both sweet-natured and gutsy in the mouth, with tongue-coating black cherry, mulberry and blueberry fruit that teams with notes of vanilla, sandalwood and hints of dried herbs and forest loam to suppress polished yet impressive tannins. Finishing long and food-balanced, it has the flavor intensity and grip to compliment Prime Rib, yet its polished texture promises that it will be as friendly with roast chicken, ragout or Winter's rich stews. Terrific now, it will be even better in eighteen to thirty months.