MERLOT, OAKVILLE
Taub Family Vineyards
APPELLATION
Oakville, Napa Valley
GRAPE VARIETIES
86% Merlot, 14% Malbec
WINEMAKERS
Tom Hinde
TECHNICAL DATA
Acidity
3.68
Alcohol
14.5%
92POINTS
91POINTS
Taub Family Vineyards was born out of a dream four generations in the making. It’s a story that began during a pivotal time in U.S. wine history, just days after Prohibition was repealed, and one that is far from completion. The latest chapter is now unfolding as Proprietor Marc D. Taub and his son Jake explore some of California’s most exciting appellations.
Wine has always been the centerpiece of the family’s narrative and livelihood and Marc D. Taub grew up with a deep appreciation for the art of winemaking. His grandfather Marty played an instrumental role in the wine business from the early 1930s, and Marc’s father David later joined Marty’s side to build upon his dream. Marc always knew he would follow in their footsteps. This came to fruition in 2013, when Marc acquired Napa Valley producer Heritance – which later evolved to Taub Family Vineyards. The winery represents some of the best sites in Napa Valley. Each wine embodies a pure expression of its respective AVA and vineyard microsite and are crafted for elegance and extraordinary balance.
The valley oak pictured on the label, a familiar part of any Napa Valley landscape, honors the family’s provenance, while the diamond at the base of the tree represents the seed planted for the legacy of generations to come.
TERROIR & VINTAGE NOTESThis Merlot from the Oakville AVA, is planted with clone 3, on fluvial soils and fine-grained sandy loam. This is a dry-farmed vineyard.
WINEMAKING & AGEINGGrapes are hand-harvested, destemmed, and hand-sorted. Cold soak for 3-5 days, followed by approx. 14 days of fermentation with three daily pump-overs. Fermented to dry on skins with an additional 7–14 days extended maceration to optimize the flavor, mouthfeel and tannin structure of the wine. Drained, pressed, and transferred to French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and ageing.
Aged for 22 months in 50% new French oak.
TASTING NOTESBrilliant red and purple hues. Bright aromas of red fruit, plum and dark cherry burst from the glass, intermingled with crushed slate, and dried herbs. Displays classic Oakville vibrant fruit and richness with a soft, rounded, and pleasantly textured palate laced with supple, silky tannins. Mouth-filling and juicy flavors of red and black cherries, kirsch and dark chocolate are wrapped in complex, complementary brushes of baking spice, cedar, cigar box, and well-integrated sweet, toasty oak. The youthful fruit and graceful structure are balanced by fresh, lively acidity that softens to a polished, elegant, and lengthy finish.
RESOURCES
Taub Family Vineyards Portfolio
