Summary

Trefethen Family Vineyards produces a diverse range of award-winning varietal, blended and reserve wines – all from our Napa Valley estate – exhibiting the classic hallmarks of fine wine quality: richness with elegance, concentration with finesse, complexity with harmony, and sophistication with approachability.

Tasting Notes

Our Merlot delights from the start with a lovely nose of dark cherry and plum. The aroma gives way to savory notes of black pepper, mushrooms and chocolate. The wine is lush and silky tannins back up a full, strong palate with great structure through the end.

GOLD (v. 2014)
San Diego International Wine & Spirits ChallengeApril 2017

GOLD-92 POINTS (v. 2014)
Winemaker Challenge January 2017

92 POINTS (v. 2013)
Wine Enthusiast September 2016

94 POINTS (v. 2013)
“Trefethen thankfully remains committed to this unfairly maligned grape, and continues to turn out some of the best examples in California…Those in the know always have some Trefethen Merlot stashed away for when their wine loving friends come around.”
Rich Cook, Wine Review Online March 2016

BEST MERLOT OF THE SHOW ~ 92 POINTS ~ PLATINUM (v. 2013)
Critics Challenge March 2016

92 POINTS (v. 2012)
James Suckling July 2015

90 POINTS (v. 2012)
Wine Enthusiast September 2015

91 POINTS ~ Very Highly Recommended
(v. 2012)
California Grapevine May 2015

BEST MERLOT OF THE SHOW ~ 94 POINTS ~ PLATINUM (v. 2012)
•San Diego International Wine Competition
June 2015
•Critics Challenge June 2015

GOLD (v. 2012)
TEXSOM International Wine Competition
February 2015

95 POINTS (v. 2012)
“Merlot is an important part of their portfolio, and it’s always one of the top California examples.”
Rich Cook, Wine Review Online January 2015

90 POINTS (v. 2009)
Anthony Dias Blue, The Tasting Panel
January 2013

TOP TEN HOLIDAY WINES (v. 2009)
Gayot, December 2012

93 POINTS (v. 2007)
“Easily one of the best Napa Valley Merlots
out there.”
Editors’ Choice Wine Enthusiast Magazine

Vintage 2002 “…Reminds me of the best merlots produced in the Pomerol region of France…”
Bob Hosmon, Syndicated Columnist

Vintage 2001 “…reminiscent of the ethereal, merlot-based wines made by Christian Moueix in Pomerol…”
Ben Giliberti, Washington Post