Napa Valley Merlot 2003 Eagle & Rose Merlot is an intriguing Merlot wine. It is not as dense and one-dimensional as many. Lively on the palate, it has with a terrific taste and bolt of spiciness. At the Eagle and Rose Estate, there are three vineyard blocks of Merlot. The fruit for this wine was chosen from the one particular block that produces grapes bursting with the scents of violets and rose petals. The fruit fermented for thirteen days on the skins, followed by a light press to retain the clarity and elegance of the wine. The wine was aged in one-year-old French barrels for 22 months. This wine is soft, round and mouth filling. There are distinct aromas and flavors of strawberries and raspberries with a beautiful balance. The lingering, elegant finish leaves your mouth full of the rich plums, tobacco, chocolate, and roses. As the wine remains open, the layers continue to open up, giving each taste another nuance. Enjoy this with grilled and braised dishes, pork, or pasta.

His grandmother's words, "Anything worth doing is worth doing well," have inspired Eagle & Rose Estate founder Norman Alumbaugh for a lifetime. Norman has been pursuing his passion for crafting exceptional wines. His goals are lofty and his commitment to the very best enduring wines. Eagle & Rose Estate is in Pope Valley, tucked in the Napa Valley's legendary eastern hills. When Alumbaugh first discovered the picturesque valley in 1981, he knew it suited his dreams perfectly. The winery was built, extensive caves dug and the first vines were planted in 1995. Admiring the eagles which soared above their wild rose-covered valley, Alumbaugh's wife, Evonne, suggested the name Eagle & Rose Estate.

RATINGS: This Merlot is made in limited quantities and therefore was not submitted to ratings and reviews. Previous Merlot vintages were submitted, and received the highest ratings out of all the wines submitted to Wine Enthusiast.