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2018 Venge Kenefick Ranch Merlot

Not Currently In Auction

Latest Sale Price

April 2, 2023 - $51

Estimate

RATINGS

94Jeb Dunnuck

...a rich, concentrated, sexy Merlot... Lots of ripe blue fruits, violets, flowery incense, iron, and hints of orange blossom define this exotic, medium to full-bodied effort. It has a seamless texture, terrific purity of fruit, and a great finish.

91The Wine Advocate

...open-knit scents of baked black cherries, black plum preserves, boysenberries and oolong tea, giving way to spicy nuances of cumin seed and ground black pepper. The full-bodied palate is filled with spiced black fruit preserves, supported by rounded tannins and bold freshness, finishing on a lingering peppery note.

REGION

United States, California, Napa Valley, Calistoga

Calistoga AVA is one of Napa Valley’s newer appellations, having been given appellation status in 2010. It is notable for its volcanic soil, which is unusual in the Napa Valley. Calistoga also experiences the greatest average 24-hour temperature swing of any Napa Valley AVAs, which Calistoga grape growers insist give the grapes time to “cool down” at night, making for better balanced wines. The 1,500 Calistoga vineyard acres are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah and Petite Sirah, along with smaller amounts of other varietals. Calistoga is at the northern end of Napa Valley, northwest of the Diamond District and St. Helena AVAs. Longtime winemaker Bo Barrett of Chateau Montelena, which is located in the Calistoga AVA, proposed the creation of the appellation.

TYPE

Red Wine, Merlot

The Merlot grape is such a deep blue that it is named for the blackbird. It’s an early ripening grape and one of the primary varietals used In Bordeaux. Merlot is also grown in the "International style," which is harvested later to bring out more tannins and body.