Rombauer Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot
Rombauer Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot is Napa Valley Merlot in the unmistakable Rombauer style: rich, plush, and fruit-driven — typically bottled around 14.5–14.8% ABV in a 750mL format — available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: typically ~14.5–14.8% (verify exact vintage label on bottle; recent vintages 14.8%)
- Size: 750mL
- Blend: Merlot-led, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot (recent vintages ~81–89% Merlot, 9–13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2–6% Petit Verdot)
- Origin: Napa Valley — estate-owned and grower-partner vineyards on the Napa side of Carneros, where clay soils mirror Bordeaux's Right Bank
- Oak: 15–16 months in French oak (~35–45% new, vintage-dependent); cold soak and partial barrel fermentation
- Vintage note: vintage is not specified on this listing — do not claim a vintage without checking the bottle
The Story Behind Rombauer's Merlot
Rombauer has been making Merlot since 1983 — and in 2014 the winery made a decisive shift, moving its Merlot sourcing to the Napa side of Carneros. The clay-rich soils there are similar to those of Bordeaux's Right Bank, and the cool marine influence lets the thin-skinned Merlot grapes develop flavor and tannin gradually while holding natural acidity. Fruit comes from estate-owned and grower-partner vineyards, is optically sorted, cold-soaked for color and extraction, and fermented in a combination of tank and barrel (roughly one-quarter to one-third of the wine) before 15–16 months in French oak. The result has earned consistent 91–93 point scores across recent vintages.
Tasting Notes
A plush, fruit-driven Merlot in Rombauer's house style: the nose opens with ripe blackberry and black cherry layered over plum and blueberry, with mocha, vanilla, cedar, and warm pie crust accents. The palate is medium- to full-bodied — black plum, blueberry, blackcurrant, and spice with mocha and mint undertones — wrapped in soft, velvety tannins and lifted by bright acidity into a moderately long, clean finish of dark cherry and clove.
How to Enjoy
Rombauer recommends serving it slightly cool, around 65°F, and it develops beautifully for up to seven years from the vintage date. Pair with seared duck breast, rack of lamb, Italian meatballs, pulled pork, or braised lamb shanks. Browse the Rombauer Vineyards collection, more Napa red wines, and other fine wines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vintage is this Rombauer Merlot? The vintage is not specified on this listing — Rombauer releases the Merlot annually (the 2023, released June 2025, is the current vintage). Check the bottle label; specs here (~14.5–14.8% ABV, 16 months French oak for 2023) reflect recent vintages.
Where is the Merlot grown? On the Napa side of Carneros in southern Napa Valley, in estate-owned and grower-partner vineyards with clay soils similar to Bordeaux's Right Bank.
Is it 100% Merlot? No — it is a Bordeaux-style blend: recent vintages are ~81–89% Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon (9–13%) and Petit Verdot (2–6%) adding structure and aromatic complexity.
How long does Rombauer Merlot age in oak? Recent vintages spend 15–16 months in French oak barrels (35–45% new), with malolactic fermentation in oak as well.
Order Rombauer Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA — plush Right-Bank-style Napa Merlot for your table tonight.