2012 Merlot

Napa Valley | Peterson Family Vineyard

Wine Profile

  • Composition: 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Harvest Dates: October 1 & 2
  • Alcohol: 14.5%
  • Length & Type of Aging: 16 months; 100% French Oak
  • Bottling Date: May 7-8, 2014
  • Number of Cases Produced: 1,180
  • Release Price: $58.00

A rich and powerful Merlot with dark cherries, blackberry compote and exotic spice. Juicy, ripe and lush on the palate, framed by ample tannin structure and a long elegant finish with a hint of chocolate and vanilla bean on the end. –  Bob Foley, Winemaker

eRobertParker.com #215, October 2014 – 95 points
One of Napa Valley’s finest Merlots has long been Switchback Ridge’s offering from Peterson Family Vineyard. No one will be disappointed in the sumptuous 2012 Merlot Peterson Family Vineyard. Its dense purple color is followed by aromas of chocolate, black currants and black cherries. This luscious, full, pedal-to-the-medal 2012 is a seamless, sensational Merlot that is about as good as this varietal can be in the Napa Valley. Drink it over the next decade or more. – Robert Parker