Merus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2021

Merus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2021 is a Napa Valley red composed of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. The fruit came from selected vineyards in Rutherford, Coombsville, and Spring Mountain. After whole-berry destemming, the grapes received a five-day cold soak and a warm nine-day fermentation with twice-daily pump overs. The wine was basket pressed, completed malolactic fermentation, and matured for 18 months in new French oak. This 2021 vintage is bottled in a 750 mL format at 14.8% ABV / 29.6 proof.

Merus describes the wine as bold and brooding, with a mouth-coating texture and substantial structure. Caramel, cherry, blueberry, and blackberry unfold alongside cinnamon and fig, while the blend’s firm frame and concentrated fruit reflect the low-yield 2021 growing season. The winery reported small berries with high flavor concentration after a dry start to the year, followed by a warm summer and early fall that supported ripening. The resulting Cabernet-led blend balances dark fruit, oak spice, and tannin, with the depth to continue developing in bottle.