Three Classic Cellared Cabs from Merryvale, Markham and ZD Wines

Merryvale Vineyards 2016 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 1 Bottle: Drawn from three top Napa vineyards: Stagecoach, Hardman and Rancho Chimiles with each vineyard fermented separately in small tanks. Native fermentation started after a 5-day cold soak and reached a peak temperature of 90 degrees F. The wines were pumped over a few times a day until dry and then pressed and drained to barrels where malolactic fermentation occurred. Aged in 50% new medium toast French oak barrels, the wine matures for 22 months before being bottled unfined and unfiltered.

The wine opens with abundant dark fruit on the nose such as plum, blackberry and cherries, with a touch of leather and graphite. In the mouth it starts with lively acidity that brings a freshness to the wine, then it evolves on soft tannins and a very velvety texture—already showing great! There is a lot of tension and drinkability with this wine at release so it can be enjoyed immediately. The blend is comprised of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 6% Malbec, and 4% Cabernet Franc.

Markham 2016 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 1 Bottle: With this bottling of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Rockerbox Estate Vineyard is the Yin to the Yountville Estate Vineyard’s Yang -- coming together in perfect harmony. Sensuous aromatics layer vanilla, marzipan and graphite without overpowering the intensity of jammy boysenberry and raspberry notes. Lush, juicy texture offers perfect balance to the chewy tannins that follow through the finish.

ZD Wines 2008 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 1 Bottle: 
With a Cellartracker average user rating of 91 and a vintage rating for Napa of 92 for 2008 from Wine Enthusiast, this cab is fully mature and ready to enjoy. No professional press, but the most recent rating of 95 points from 2020 reads: "Aged very well. Silky smooth." The 2008 vintage is labeled "40th Anniversary."

Name of Winery: Merryvale; Markham; ZD Wines

Bottle Size: 750ml

Number of Bottles: Three

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon

Appellation: Napa Valley

Merryvale's proprietors, the Schlatter Family, are winemaking traditionalists with a deep respect for Napa's winemaking legacy and a dynamic vision for the future of Napa Valley. They are committed to preserving the winery's rich history without compromising their forward-looking plans. With acclaimed winemaker, Simon Faury, they have sharpened their focus on Bordeaux varieties, the wines for which Napa is most renowned.

Wines of distinction crafted in the heart of Napa Valley. Merryvale Vineyards makes wines that are quintessentially Napa Valley. merryvale.com 

Markham: As one of Napa Valley’s longest-continually-run wineries, we honor the heritage of this remarkable wine growing region with every grape grown, every wine bottled, every sip savored. From decades of sustainable farming to our unwavering passion for Merlot, we celebrate the adventurous spirit of Napa while embracing the unique voice of the land. 

Markham’s 260 acres of sustainably farmed estate vineyards and land span some of Napa Valley’s finest growing regions. Deliciously diverse fruits from our micro-sites provide a rich palette for Winemaker Kimberlee Nicholls to work her wine wizardry.

Healthy soil means thriving vines, expressive fruit and a holistic farming system that sustains the environment. We tend to our land in a manner that replenishes rather than depletes our natural resources. It’s the best thing for the earth -- and our wines.

ZD Wines: Founded in 1969, ZD Wines is owned and operated by the deLeuze family. The winery is located in Rutherford, a premium Cabernet Sauvignon growing region in the heart of the Napa Valley. ZD Wines is a family business, committed to producing world-class wines. Our sustainable, biodiverse, solar, and organic practices make great wines from healthy vines.