Frequently Asked Questions
The Merryvale Profile is a masterful red blend crafted from the finest fruit of the prestigious Profile Estate Vineyard in Napa Valley. This iconic wine, a harmonious mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, exemplifies elegance and power with its deep, saturated hues and a complex bouquet of blackberry, cassis, dark chocolate, and subtle herbal notes. Aged meticulously in French oak, it boasts velvety tannins, balanced acidity, and a layered palate of ripe black fruits, cedar, and cocoa, finishing long and refined. Celebrated by critics for its exceptional depth and structure, the Profile is perfect for collectors, offering enjoyment now or further complexity with cellar aging for 25+ years. Enjoy this bold yet sophisticated wine with hearty dishes like beef or venison, enhancing every special occasion.
Process & Profile
Merryvale Profile represents the pinnacle of Napa Valley winemaking, meticulously crafted to showcase the unique terroir of the Profile Estate Vineyard. Situated on the rugged hillsides east of St. Helena, this vineyard benefits from diverse elevations, orientations, and soil types, creating exceptional complexity in every bottle. This Bordeaux-style blend primarily features Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Petit Verdot and sometimes Cabernet Franc. The fruit is hand-picked and sorted, then fermented using native yeasts and aged for over two years in 75% new French oak barrels, bringing out its rich, nuanced character.Tasting Notes
The Merryvale Profile is a bold and structured red wine with remarkable depth and elegance. Expect a luxurious bouquet of blackberry, plum, cassis, and raspberry intertwined with notes of dark chocolate, licorice, and subtle balsamic highlights. On the palate, it delivers a velvety mouthfeel with flavors of black cherries, blueberries, and toasted spice, all balanced by fine-grain tannins. The finish introduces hints of leather, savory herbs like thyme, and a touch of marine-like minerality, leaving a long-lasting impression. Its firm structure makes it both approachable now when decanted and rewarding with cellar aging for 10+ years.What Makes It Special
- Estate-Centric Excellence: Exclusively sourced from the Profile Estate Vineyard, this wine reflects the family-owned vineyard's meticulous attention to detail.
- Masterful Winemaking: Techniques like long macerations, barrel fermentations, and native yeasts ensure maximum flavor extraction and balance.
- Accolades and Recognition: Frequently earning critical acclaim, including 92+ point ratings from top reviewers like Robert Parker, Jeb Dunnuck, and Wine Enthusiast.
- Age-Worthy Luxury: Designed for aging, this wine evolves beautifully over time, developing further complexity and depth.
How to Enjoy
Serve the Merryvale Profile decanted to allow its full aromatic and flavor profile to emerge. Ideally, pair it with rich, flavorful dishes such as:- Grilled or braised beef
- Venison with herbaceous sauces
- Aged Gouda or other full-bodied cheeses
- Dark chocolate desserts with berry accents
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Merryvale Profile wine?
Merryvale Profile is a flagship red blend from Merryvale Vineyards in Napa Valley. It showcases the finest fruit from the estate's Profile Vineyard, combining Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller amounts of Petit Verdot and sometimes Cabernet Franc. Known for its bold structure, elegant depth, and complex flavors, this wine is considered one of Napa Valley's finest blends.
What makes Merryvale Profile unique?
Merryvale Profile is crafted from hand-harvested grapes grown on steep and rocky hillsides of the Profile Estate Vineyard. The vineyard's unique terroir and meticulous winemaking practices, including extended maceration, aging in new French oak, and selective blending, result in a wine with exceptional intensity, refinement, and aging potential.
What are the tasting notes of Merryvale Profile?
Merryvale Profile typically exhibits rich aromas of blackberry, plum, dark chocolate, and spices, along with subtle herbal and mineral nuances. On the palate, it is full-bodied with silky tannins and balanced acidity, offering flavors of cassis, blueberry, leather, and cocoa. The finish is long and complex, making it a wine of great elegance and power.
How long can Merryvale Profile age?
Merryvale Profile has excellent aging potential, with most vintages capable of evolving gracefully for 15-25 years or more, depending on cellaring conditions. Its firm tannins and vibrant acidity ensure the wine will develop greater complexity over time.
What food pairs well with Merryvale Profile?
Merryvale Profile pairs beautifully with rich and flavorful dishes such as beef, venison, lamb, and aged cheeses. For a lighter pairing, dishes with truffle-infused ingredients or roasted root vegetables also complement its complexity.
When and how should I serve Merryvale Profile?
To fully enjoy Merryvale Profile, decant the wine for at least one hour before serving, especially in its youth. Serve at a temperature of 60–65°F (15–18°C) to bring out its nuanced aromas and flavors.
What is the winemaking process for Merryvale Profile?
Merryvale Profile is made using traditional Bordeaux winemaking techniques. Grapes are hand-harvested and sorted, followed by a cold soak and fermentation using native yeast. The wine undergoes extended maceration and malolactic fermentation in new French oak barrels, where it ages for approximately 20-24 months. The wine is bottled without fining or filtration to preserve purity.
What vintages of Merryvale Profile are most notable?
Exceptional vintages include 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2018, all praised for their balance, depth, and structure. Each vintage reflects the unique climate conditions of the year while maintaining the hallmark characteristics of Merryvale Profile.
Is Merryvale Profile a sustainable wine?
Yes, Merryvale Vineyards is committed to sustainable farming practices. The Profile Estate Vineyard is cultivated with careful attention to soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity, ensuring high-quality fruit while minimizing environmental impact.
Where can I purchase Merryvale Profile?
Merryvale Profile is available directly from the winery, online through their store, and at select fine wine retailers. Its price typically ranges between $200 and $250 per 750ml bottle, depending on the vintage.
Unfortunately, we're unable to ship to PO Boxes and APO addresses.
Adult signature (21+) required upon delivery.
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