2007 Merryvale Oak Knoll District Cabernet Sauvignon

Merryvale was founded in 1983 though the historic estate dates to the early 20th century. Located in St. Helena, the estate was built just after the repeal of prohibition. Today it is owned by the Schlatter family. Merryvale owns 25 acres of vineyards and grows Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Named after a building in San Francisco, the winery’s mission is to make Bordeaux-style wines. It makes about 10,000 cases of Merryvale annually, and about 90,000 cases of its second line, the Starmont label. Merryvale’s signature wines are Profile, a red Bordeaux blend, and Silhouette, a Burgundian Chardonnay. Wine Enthusiast rated the 2008 Profile at 97 pts and called it “a tremendous wine that shows how Merryvale is absolutely at the top of its game.”

Oak Knoll AVA is one of Napa Valley’s newest appellations, having received that status in 2004. Located on the southern end of Napa Valley, the appellation is close to San Pablo Bay and therefore relatively cool. Of the 8,300 acres within the appellation, 4,150 are vineyards. The principal grapes grown are Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Riesling. Locals like to call Oak Knoll “the sweet spot” thanks to its location between the San Pablo Bay and its maritime climate and the much hotter climate of Napa Valley’s floor.

One of the most widely grown grape varieties, it can be found in nearly every wine growing region. A cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a hardy vine that produces a full-bodied wine with high tannins and great aging potential.