Two Napa Valley Red Wines: Sampling and Reviews

Napa is one of the pricier winemaking regions in the United States. Still, good values are to be found. Today we review a budget priced Napa merlot - Decker Merlot - and a moderately priced cabernet sauvignon - Monte Vaca East Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon - to see what kind of values are available.

Varietals: Keep in mind that merlot and cabernet sauvignon are distinctly different red wine grapes. Merlot tends to yield softer wines, with less gritty tannins, a rounder mouthfeel, and earlier drinking readiness. Cabernet on the other hand, tends towards tougher wines in their youth, full of tannins that allow for lengthier aging, but that tend to make earlier drinking more problemmatic. Often, red wine blends combine a percentage of each, to balance the qualities of the two grapes.

Interesting, both of the wines reviewed today - the merlot and the cabernet sauvignon - are fine today but would allow additional time in the bottle.

Review: Decker Estates Cellars Merlot from Napa, CA, shows a robust 14.4% alcohol. Grapes are selected from various parcels in the region.

In the glass, Decker Merlot, 2003, is medium dark red, bricking to about a half inch from the edge. Aromas are of classic, new world merlot fruit, fairly bold, yet quite clean and plummy despite six years in the bottle. A thick, full experience on the palate in your first sip - with settled inky, black currant coating your mouth, wrapped in softened but healthy tannins. The finish tells its age, but does provide a lengthy exit.

Three stars because I'd return to the wine, with a plus for its intensity. Awesome value.

Review: Monte Vaca Cabernet Sauvignon is from an area of Napa CA called East Ridge, near the cooler climate Vaca Range. Aged for two years in French and American oak, and another couple of years in bottle, the Monte Vaca should be ready to taste. Let's see...

In the glass Monte Vaca is medium deep red. Aromas are velvety, rich, chocolately Napa cab in style. Leather saddle and oak tones are apparent too.

The palate is bold with chocolate cabernet. Quite sweet. Acids are bright too, curling up your cheeks a bit. A bit of dusty tannins come through in the finish. Good balance in this still-young and still-a-bit-rough-around-the-edges wine. Will do nicely over time. Three stars with a plus for promise in aging.

Find Monte Vaca Cabernet Sauvignon at WineZap.