Rombauer Vineyards Rombauer Napa Valley Merlot 2023 750ml

Aromas of ripe cherries and red plums with red licorice, mocha and wet stones. Medium- to full-bodied with polished tannins and chalky texture. Fresh mix of red and dark fruit on the mid-palate, with a juicy finish and notes of savory herbs at the end. Drink or hold. (James Suckling)

Clear, direct fruit flavors such as red cherries and cranberries are nicely framed in moderate tannins and balanced acidity, while spicy accents of clove and cedar weave in as you sip. Delicious and enjoyable through at least 2027. (Jim Gordon)

A good, solid-quality, firm-textured wine that offers sturdy tannins and ripe, handsome red and black fruit flavors. Full-bodied, balanced, spicy and mouth-filling. Made from mostly Carneros merlot grapes, with the addition of 12% petit verdot and 7% cabernet sauvignon. Drink now or hold.

Rombauer's 2022 Merlot Napa Valley is largely sourced from Carneros; a portion of the wine is barrel-fermented, and the Merlot is augmented by small portions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. The nose is marked by scents of pencil shavings and black cherries—it's lacking herbal notes but does include hints of coffee and dark chocolate. In the mouth, this medium- to full-bodied wine is silky and plush, with a mouthwatering finish. Drink it over the next several years.