Taste: Deep ruby/purple with a matching rim. With bright fruit, layers of complexity, and charming tannins, this is a wine of texture, engaging the sense of depth on the palate. It shows a nose of fudge, espresso roast, sweet oak, and plenty of plums and currant fruit. In the choice between immediacy and complexity, this wine pleasingly leans slightly toward complexity. Fine-grained tannins and very well-integrated acids focus this wine, providing a great opportunity for aging.
Cameron Confidential: This wine is a project that presented itself somewhat recently. Havens Winery, located just south of Yountville, was a short, quiet drive off Highway 29, Napa Valley’s main winery tour route. Havens had earned distinction for its Merlot, Syrah, and other red blends before being sold off due to the demise of distributor Billington Imports. We subsequently purchased all of their 2007 vintage Merlot as well as a few others that you may see in the near future. This wine boasts François Frères barrels and two of the top vineyards of Havens, so this Merlot is a big deal.
Staff Picks
Lot 169
2007 Napa Valley Merlot
- Vintage: 2007
- Appellation: Napa Valley
- Grape: Merlot
- Alcohol by volume: 14.8%
- Production: 5,000 cases
- Release date: April 28, 2010
- Drink/Hold: Drink now or hold for 3-6 years.
- Online availability: Sold out
Downloads
- Lot 169 spec sheet (pdf)
- Lot 169 small (pdf)
