Twenty-Third Anniversary Merlot (1997)
SommeliAI Insights
A rich and complex Merlot with dark fruit flavors and a long, impressive finish.
About this wine
This Merlot offers aromas of dark chocolate, licorice, cedar, and spice. On the palate, tart black cherry and ample oak are present, leading to a long finish with a chocolate note and big tannins. The wine is rather closed now and will benefit from two to four years of aging.
About the grape
Merlot, originally from Bordeaux, France, has become a key grape in Napa Valley, especially in the Rutherford area. Rutherford Hill Winery, established in 1972, was among the first in Napa to focus on Merlot, helping to popularize the varietal in the region. The 1997 Rutherford Hill Twenty-Third Anniversary wine showcases Merlot's adaptability to Rutherford's unique terroir, characterized by well-drained soils composed of gravel, loam, and sand with volcanic deposits. This environment contributes to the grape's rich flavors and complexity.
Quick facts
- 🍒 The 1997 Rutherford Hill Twenty-Third Anniversary Merlot is celebrated for its rich flavors of black cherries and plums, complemented by subtle notes of bay, mint, roasted coffee bean, and spicy vanilla.
- 🏰 Rutherford Hill Winery, established in 1972, was among the pioneers in Napa Valley to focus on Merlot, recognizing the region's similarity to Bordeaux's Pomerol area.
- 🌋 The Rutherford AVA, where this wine originates, is renowned for its unique terroir, featuring well-drained soils composed of gravel, loam, and sand with volcanic deposits, ideal for cultivating high-quality Merlot grapes.
- ☀️ The 1997 vintage in Napa Valley is considered one of the region's finest, characterized by ideal weather conditions that led to exceptional grape quality and wines with great aging potential.
- 🍷 Merlot, the primary grape in this wine, is known for its soft, velvety texture and flavors of plum and black cherry, making it one of the most popular red wine varietals worldwide.
Palate profile
Producer
Rutherford Hill Winery, established in 1972 in Napa Valley, California, was among the pioneers in championing Merlot as a signature varietal, inspired by the region's resemblance to Bordeaux's Pomerol. In 1996, the Terlato family acquired the winery, continuing its legacy of quality and innovation. The estate boasts an extensive mile-long cave system, providing ideal conditions for aging wines. Committed to sustainability, Rutherford Hill operates as a 100% solar-powered winery and employs eco-friendly practices across its vineyards.
