Varietals: 76% Merlot and 24% Cabernet Franc
94 Points Vinous
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.
94 Points Wine Spectator
Precise and polished, with a well-framed core of lively acidity and well-buffed tannins that supports rich red currant, coffee bean and savory anise tones.
92 Points Jeb Dunnuck
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.
92 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
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.
Winemaker Notes
High on the slopes of Mount Veeder, Mayacamas Vineyards has been a source of legendary California wine since 1889. Since the 1950’s the vinification and élevage of Mayacamas remains remarkably consistent and our continued commitment to employ classical techniques and tools is integral to the character of these wines. The mountain terroir at Mayacamas ranges from 1,800 to 2,400 feet in elevation and the estate spans 475 acres, only 50 of which are dedicated to vine. The region’s richly intense, age-worthy wines reflect the independent spirit of its mountain growers and vintners, borne of rugged conditions that demand craftsmanship at the highest level.
The wine opens with lifted aromatics of violet and cacao supported by a lovely fruit set of raspberry, plum, wild blueberry. Savory tones of dried tobacco, thyme, and graphite broaden the mid-palate, bringing detail and nuance to the wine's full body frame. The finish is persistent with lingering notes of berry fruit, cedar, and black tea.
