Rutherford Hill

Napa Valley Merlot

8.913 ratings
8.93 pro ratings
Napa Valley, California, USA
Merlot
Beef, Venison, Salami & Prosciutto, Chili & Hot Spicy, Potato, Exotic Spices, Lamb, White Rice, Baking Spices, Herbs, Pasta, Chicken, Mushrooms, Pungent Cheese, Turkey, Tomato-Based, Soft Cheese, Pork, Beans & Peas, Hard Cheese, Duck, Onion, Shallot, Garlic
Top Notes For
Tom Casagrande

A very good value Merlot, if a tad too oaky for my taste. Nose has dark, plummy fruit, loads of gravel and graphite, and loads of toasty vanilla. A little less fleshy than expected in the mouth. More on the savory side with a bit of alcoholic pepperiness in the finish. Not bad at all for $21, though.

A very good value Merlot, if a tad too oaky for my taste. Nose has dark, plummy fruit, loads of gravel and graphite, and loads of toasty vanilla. A little less fleshy than expected in the mouth. More on the savory side with a bit of alcoholic pepperiness in the finish. Not bad at all for $21, though.

Feb 4th, 2021
Adam Kincaid

Not a ton to say, not complex. Has a rose petal scent with a lot of muddled red fruit. Some vanilla. Fruit forward and medium/light body. Good acid.

Not a ton to say, not complex. Has a rose petal scent with a lot of muddled red fruit. Some vanilla. Fruit forward and medium/light body. Good acid.

Oct 7th, 2018
Leslie

Intense dark cherry and leather nose. Deep and rich on the palate with notes of chocolate, spice and herbs. Decanting would help it open. Grippy tannins.

Intense dark cherry and leather nose. Deep and rich on the palate with notes of chocolate, spice and herbs. Decanting would help it open. Grippy tannins.

May 24th, 2021
Jeremy.Buss

Still expanding my Merlot tasting and enjoyed this 2016 Napa Valley. I honestly forgot my tasting notes on this just that I liked it.

Still expanding my Merlot tasting and enjoyed this 2016 Napa Valley. I honestly forgot my tasting notes on this just that I liked it.

Mar 28th, 2021
Diana Cristina Patiño

This is a good option from @rutherfordhillwinery This 2016 Merlot shows aromas of dark, ripe fruit like plum, red currant, and vegetal notes of mint and green pepper.

Let it go for another 10 years. It has a a medium to long finish. 14.5% ABV. It is a good bottle for the price point! Cheers!

#merlot
#californiamerlot

This is a good option from @rutherfordhillwinery This 2016 Merlot shows aromas of dark, ripe fruit like plum, red currant, and vegetal notes of mint and green pepper.

Let it go for another 10 years. It has a a medium to long finish. 14.5% ABV. It is a good bottle for the price point! Cheers!

#merlot
#californiamerlot

Aug 22nd, 2020
KDU Wine Club

Fruity aroma, medium body. Hints of cherry and strawberry. Smooth and well balanced with a dry finish.

Fruity aroma, medium body. Hints of cherry and strawberry. Smooth and well balanced with a dry finish.

May 18th, 2020
KDU
9.0

Moderately strong red fruit, not very complex, balanced, and delicious...better with food than sipping

Moderately strong red fruit, not very complex, balanced, and delicious...better with food than sipping

May 18th, 2020
Lisa Barth

Very nice!

Very nice!

Feb 19th, 2021
Mark Pagliaro

Winemaker Stone & Key Cellars

9.1

Mark had this a year ago

Mark had this a year ago

Dec 27th, 2023
Ira Thor

Ira had this 2 years ago

Ira had this 2 years ago

Jul 20th, 2022