- About This Wine
- Ratings & Reviews
- Tasting Notes
About This Wine
Ratings & Reviews
Tasting Notes
ABOUT THIS WINE
REVIEWS
TASTING NOTES
From the historic heart of Rutherford, the 2022 Merlot from Rutherford Hill delivers a masterclass in varietal precision and Napa Valley terroir. Since its founding in 1972, Rutherford Hill has remained unwavering in its commitment to Merlot, and this vintage exemplifies that devotion with grace, structure, and a deep understanding of balance. Sourced primarily from estate vineyards meticulously cultivated since the 1990s—making up over 70% of the final blend—this bottling draws on more than three decades of experience with this noble Bordeaux varietal, resulting in a wine that is both contemporary and timeless.
In the glass, the 2022 Merlot is opaque ruby, teetering on garnet at the rim, showcasing youth and concentration. The nose is immediately expressive: a cascade of ripe dark cherries, Mission figs, and black raspberries, laced with undertones of mocha, pipe tobacco, and warm baking spices from 14 months of élevage in new French oak. Swirling reveals more—charred vanilla bean, graphite, and hints of violet that nod toward the Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot in the blend.
On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and plush, with Rutherford dust subtly framing the richness. The integration of Cabernet Sauvignon provides spine and focus, while Syrah brings a touch of savory dark plum and peppered meat. The tannins are fine-grained and polished, supporting layers of lush fruit and spice that unfurl with each sip. This is Merlot with formidable structure, yet it's never overwrought—a poised, cellar-worthy wine that still delivers immediate appeal.
Fermented in stainless steel with twice-daily pumpovers, the wine retains freshness and vibrancy, even as it plunges deep into its dark fruit core. The finish is long and elegant, echoing notes of cocoa nib, clove, and sun-warmed cherry skin.
This 2022 Rutherford Hill Merlot is a remarkable achievement—both a tribute to the varietal’s heritage and a clear argument for its place among Napa Valley’s greats. At once seductive and serious, it would be equally at home with a grilled lamb rack, duck confit, or truffle risotto. It is the kind of wine that reminds even the staunchest Cabernet devotee why Merlot, in the right hands and from the right place, is utterly indispensable. A cellar recommendation and a joyous pour alike, it confirms Rutherford Hill as the enduring standard-bearer for Napa Valley Merlot.
In the glass, the 2022 Merlot is opaque ruby, teetering on garnet at the rim, showcasing youth and concentration. The nose is immediately expressive: a cascade of ripe dark cherries, Mission figs, and black raspberries, laced with undertones of mocha, pipe tobacco, and warm baking spices from 14 months of élevage in new French oak. Swirling reveals more—charred vanilla bean, graphite, and hints of violet that nod toward the Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot in the blend.
On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and plush, with Rutherford dust subtly framing the richness. The integration of Cabernet Sauvignon provides spine and focus, while Syrah brings a touch of savory dark plum and peppered meat. The tannins are fine-grained and polished, supporting layers of lush fruit and spice that unfurl with each sip. This is Merlot with formidable structure, yet it's never overwrought—a poised, cellar-worthy wine that still delivers immediate appeal.
Fermented in stainless steel with twice-daily pumpovers, the wine retains freshness and vibrancy, even as it plunges deep into its dark fruit core. The finish is long and elegant, echoing notes of cocoa nib, clove, and sun-warmed cherry skin.
This 2022 Rutherford Hill Merlot is a remarkable achievement—both a tribute to the varietal’s heritage and a clear argument for its place among Napa Valley’s greats. At once seductive and serious, it would be equally at home with a grilled lamb rack, duck confit, or truffle risotto. It is the kind of wine that reminds even the staunchest Cabernet devotee why Merlot, in the right hands and from the right place, is utterly indispensable. A cellar recommendation and a joyous pour alike, it confirms Rutherford Hill as the enduring standard-bearer for Napa Valley Merlot.
90 POINTS - "Soft and lifted aromas of Damson plums, tea leaves and violets. The palate is full-bodied with supple tannins and focused acidity, showing notes of mocha, cola and bramble berries. Fresh and giving." - James Suckling
The layers of dense dark red fruits and interwoven with subtle toasted oak that constantly evolves as you put your nose in the glass. The wine is very dense and delicious with lots of dark red fruits and spice.