2019 Profile

The 2019 Profile shows good depth and intensity in its inky red fruit, spice, tobacco, espresso and copious new oak. There is good depth here and plenty of potential, but the cooperage probably needs to be more measured to the wine's mid-weight structure. All that said, the 2019 is impeccably crafted.

The flagship from Merryvale is the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Profile, a blend of 99% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Cabernet Franc that’s all from the estate vineyard and spent 23 months in 80% new barrels. Just classic Napa Valley Cabernet goodness, with lots of cassis and currant fruits, notes of spice, graphite, and chocolate, full-bodied richness, and great overall balance, it’s impeccably made and well worth seeking out. I can’t imagine it not evolving for 25+ years if well stored.

A blend of 99% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Cabernet Franc, the 2019 Profile Estate Red Wine is a barrel sample with a deep garnet-purple color. It comes strutting out of the glass with flamboyant scents of blackcurrant cordial, plum preserves and boysenberries with hints of tobacco leaf, cedar chest and crushed rocks. Full-bodied, the palate is chock-full of muscular black fruits with loads of mineral accents, framed by firm, grainy tannins, finishing long with lovely harmony.