2021 Whitehall Lane Merlot Napa Valley
San Francisco Wine Panel Score 92 Points
Firm, focused and concentrated, this impressive Napa Merlot opens with red plum, dark red cherry, cranberry and grenadine aromas of surprising freshness. On the palate it appears texturally lean and is made to seem more so by bright fruit zest and surprisingly noticeable if polished tannins. The same red fruit dominated elements are highlighted on the palate and these linger through a notably food-worthy finish. A classy dinner companion already, it is likely eighteen months from its full expression.