Marilyn Merlot 2005
Marilyn Merlot 2005 is the 21st vintage of Marilyn Wines' Napa Valley Merlot — a 750mL bottle at 13.5% ABV that the winery billed as the brand's "coming of age," released as always on June 1, Marilyn Monroe's birthday. The 2005 was an outstanding Napa vintage, and the wine carries roughly 12% Cabernet Sauvignon alongside the merlot (per Wine Enthusiast, which scored it 87 points). Wine Enthusiast called it "soft and fleshy… uplifted blackberry, cherry, dark chocolate and smoke flavors, and totally dry." Order online at Del Mesa Liquor for San Diego delivery or pickup.
- ABV: 13.5%
- Size: 750mL
- Vintage: 2005 — the 21st vintage, released June 1 (Marilyn's birthday)
- Region: Napa Valley, California
- Blend: Merlot with ~12% Cabernet Sauvignon (per Wine Enthusiast); 87 points, Wine Enthusiast
The "Coming of Age" Vintage
Twenty-one vintages in, Marilyn Merlot threw itself a birthday party: the 2005 release marked the label's coming of age, arriving in a year Napa growers still talk about. For more than two decades the annual June 1 release had been an event anticipated by legions of fans — wine collectors and Monroe collectors alike — and the 2005 gave both camps something to celebrate: a genuinely strong vintage in the bottle and another year of the Marilyn mystique on the label. Browse the series in our merlot collection and more from Marilyn Wines.
Tasting Notes
Soft and fleshy, with uplifted blackberry, cherry, dark chocolate, and smoke flavors — totally dry, in Wine Enthusiast's words. The Cabernet lift keeps the merlot's plushness from going soft, giving a smooth, savory Napa red.
How to Enjoy
Serve at 60–65°F with herb-crusted pork, mushroom pasta, or a classic cheeseburger — the wine's softness loves savory food. Ready to drink now; no cellaring needed. Explore more Napa reds in our red wine collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What score did Marilyn Merlot 2005 receive?
87 points from Wine Enthusiast (S.H., December 2007): "soft and fleshy… uplifted blackberry, cherry, dark chocolate and smoke flavors, and is totally dry."
Why is the 2005 called the "coming of age" vintage?
It was the 21st annual vintage of Marilyn Merlot — released, as always, on June 1, Marilyn Monroe's birthday.
What grapes are in the 2005?
Predominantly Merlot with about 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, per Wine Enthusiast; the winery does not publish a precise blend for this vintage.
Own a piece of the legend's 21st vintage — order Marilyn Merlot 2005 online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.