Mayacamas Mt. Veeder Merlot 2021

Founded in 1889, Mayacamas stands as one of the most storied vineyards in the history of American wine. Through its more than 125 years of production, the estate has been the source of some of California’s most iconic and longest-lived bottles. Renowned for its high altitude vineyards, which provide for a cooler growing environment than valley floor sites, Mayacamas has long eschewed the big, overripe style which came to define Napa in the 1990s and 2000s. This is their Merlot, sourced from six different vineyard blocks planted between 550-700m of elevation. Richly intense and capable of ageing for decades, this is a Merlot that embodies the rugged, mountain spirit of its home. 

94/100 - The 2021 Merlot is a pretty serious wine. Swaths of tannin wrap around a core of dark fruit, graphite, lavender, mocha and spice. Time in the glass brings out lifted, floral top notes that lend brightness. The characteristics of a year with small berries come through in the wine's flavor and tannin intensity. For the last few years, the Merlot has included a fairly large amount of Cabernet Franc, and that is quite evident here. Since 2020, the Merlot has been made just with estate fruit. The 2021 is a gorgeous wine, but I would not dream of touching a bottle anytime soon. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous 

92+/100 - Enchanting aromas of red and black cherries lead the way on the nose of the 2021 Merlot, joined by gentle herbal notes reminiscent of thyme, sage and mint. A blend of 76% Merlot and 24% Cabernet Franc, matured in larger and/or older oak vessels for aging, it's a medium to full-bodied, silky wine, nicely balanced and ready to drink now but with enough stuffing to think it will age nicely for a decade or more. - Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate

92/100 - Coming all from the estate on Mt. Veeder, the 2021 Merlot sports a deep ruby, almost opaque hue to go with a sweet nose of ripe red and black fruits (plums, black cherries), darker tobacco, leather, and roasted herbs. With medium to full-bodied richness, a round, sweetly fruited, powerful mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and terrific overall balance, it's an outstanding Merlot to drink over the coming 10-12 years, if not more. - Jeb Dunnuck