What a fabulously structured 100% Merlot—so fresh, layered, and energetic, which is remarkable given the heat that defined much of the 2022 vintage across Napa Valley. It shows lush, ripe blackberry and spiced plum fruit, with notes of cherry, cherry wood, and cherry pit, all supported by firm, structured tannins and juicy acid tension. Impressively bold and genuinely enticing. Hats off to Matt Ward for delivering such striking freshness.

Tasted by: Jonathan Cristaldi

The 2022 Vintner Select Merlot is slightly more expensive and is a smaller selection of 100% Merlot. It brings another level of sexiness and is medium to full-bodied and beautifully textured, with lots of classic Merlot black cherry, leather, spice, and cedary, chocolaty nuances. I love its overall balance, it has sweet tannins, and a great finish. It will give a great Pomerol a run for its money. Drink bottles over the coming 10-12 years or so. Drink 2025-2037.

The 2022 Merlot Vintner Select is powerful, dense and super expressive. A blast of dark cherry/plum fruit, espresso, licorice, incense, tobacco and chocolate are all dialed up to the maximum. Dense and layered in the glass, the 2022 is a fine effort in this challenging vintage. My impression is that the 2022 will age a bit faster than most vintages, as its bouquet is already quite open. I doubt that will be an issue for most readers, given how alluring the wine is. The 2022 is powerful and yet also refined. 

-By Antonio Galloni on November 2025