First time opening the 2011 since bottling, better after a day open, much more flesh, the trademark bing cherry and bay leaf from the vineyard is there, interestingly the 2011 is softer than the slightly warmer 2010 vintage, but the fruit was picked well before the rains, so perhaps less vintage effect.
First time opening the 2011 since bottling, better after a day open, much more flesh, the trademark bing cherry and bay leaf from the vineyard is there, interestingly the 2011 is softer than the slightly warmer 2010 vintage, but the fruit was picked well before the rains, so perhaps less vintage effect.
9 people found it helpfulOct 13th, 2014
Herbal and red fruits, fresh acidity and medium+ body. Cool climate tasting Merlot, with sappy and juicy cherry, subtle spice and an herbal tinge of tomato leaf, a fresh and expansive finish.
Herbal and red fruits, fresh acidity and medium+ body. Cool climate tasting Merlot, with sappy and juicy cherry, subtle spice and an herbal tinge of tomato leaf, a fresh and expansive finish.
Oct 29th, 2015
The 2011 Matthaisson Napa Valley Merlot Red Hen Vineyard saw a long, cool fermentation that lasted for nearly a month. Fermentation at cooler temperatures preserves fruitiness and more volatile aromatics—certainly, this Merlot is a great example, with terrific purity of fruit and pitched, high-toned forest red berries, darker, juicier red cherries, and tannins that are all at once, dusty, silky and fine. As with all Matthaisson wines, it has a certain ethereal quality. 73 cases produced. 13.5% ABV Sample
The 2011 Matthaisson Napa Valley Merlot Red Hen Vineyard saw a long, cool fermentation that lasted for nearly a month. Fermentation at cooler temperatures preserves fruitiness and more volatile aromatics—certainly, this Merlot is a great example, with terrific purity of fruit and pitched, high-toned forest red berries, darker, juicier red cherries, and tannins that are all at once, dusty, silky and fine. As with all Matthaisson wines, it has a certain ethereal quality. 73 cases produced. 13.5% ABV Sample
Sep 7th, 2015
Really superb, enticing complexity of herbal and fruit, grainy tannins
Really superb, enticing complexity of herbal and fruit, grainy tannins
May 18th, 2015
Smelled like a field of spring clover - such precision and restraint that Mr. Matthiasson always seems to achieve, pillowy texture, and a hint of herbs on the finish. Think Steve was bang on when he said bay leaf. Holy smokes.
Smelled like a field of spring clover - such precision and restraint that Mr. Matthiasson always seems to achieve, pillowy texture, and a hint of herbs on the finish. Think Steve was bang on when he said bay leaf. Holy smokes.
Dec 11th, 2015
Napa Valley, California, USA
