[ Home > Wines > Red Wines > Merlot > California - Merlot Page 1 > California - Merlot Page 1 > Atalon Merlot Napa Valley 2002 ]
Atalon’s 2002 Napa Merlot is deep purple in color with intense aromas and flavors of cherry, pomegranate, ripe plums and blackberry. Herbal notes such as fresh basil, dried lavender, olives and white pepper sit in the background adding depth and complexity. The tannins are firm yet smooth adding to a pleasant, lingering finish. "There are 8,200 cases of the 2002 Merlot (a French oak-aged blend of 98% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon). A sweet perfume of plums, cherries, mocha, and herbs jump from the glass of this opulent, medium-bodied, smooth Merlot. Enjoy it over the next 5-6 years. It is hard to find good, classic Merlot from California selling at a realistic price, but Atalon delivers the goods." - Rated 89, Robert Parker " Medium ruby-red. Aromas of black raspberry, redcurrant, tobacco, licorice and animal fur. Sweet, broad and round, with nicely concentrated flavors of currant and mocha. Shows a slightly reduced, medicinal quality. Finishes with substantial dusty tannins but no hard edges. A blend from numerous sites." - Rated 88, Stephen Tanzer International Wine Cellar "Distinct notes of forest-floor herbaceousness are combined with elements of ripe cherries and fairly discrete oak in both the mid-density aromas and rounded flavors of this supple, medium-full-bodied bottling. It is an easy-to-like Merlot with well-managed tannins, yet its slight drift to finishing dryness holds it back from higher scores and makes us wish for just a little more depth and fruity substance." - Rated 89, Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wines |
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