2006 Saddleback Cellars Napa Valley Merlot

About This Wine

It happened in 1988, and it had never happened before.

Influential wine critic Robert Parker bestowed a perfect 100-point score on a California wine for the very first time. The wine was the 1985 Groth Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, and the man who made it was Nils Venge. Ever since, he has been known as the “King of Cab.”

These days, Venge spends most of his time crafting wines for his own Saddleback Cellars winery, which is located in the Oakville district of the Napa Valley. His goal with each vintage is to make the best wines possible — whether they’re from a single vineyard, a single appellation, or a blend of appellations.

The 2006 Saddleback Merlot is a hedonist’s delight, blending juice from estate, Carneros and Rutherford district vineyards. Hybrid American/French oak barrels — half being used for the first time — lent additional complexity to a concentrated, age-worthy cuvee that’s deserving of a T-bone steak.

About Merlot

Similar to Cabernet Sauvignon but with less tannin and fruit. Delivers earlier maturing wines. Often blended with Cabernet; on its own may soften with age, though fruit flavors may fade.

Tasting Notes

• Grape Composition:100% Merlot
• Grape Source:Oakville, Carneros and Rutherford Growing Areas
• Aromas & Flavors:Black Currant, Ripe Plum, Dark Cherry, Licorice & Cocoa
• Aging Vessels:Hybrid American/French Oak Barrels for 18 Months
• When to Drink:Now Through 2015
• Food Pairing Suggestiona juicy T-bone steak.

Member Ratings

Recipes.

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  Cabernet Sauvignon Ice Cream Our friends at Alexander Valley Vineyards came up with this wonderful recipe a few years ago. We've tried it with Cabernet Sauvignon (as the recipe calls for), as well as Merlot, Primitivo, Cabernet Franc and Zinfandel... and every time, it turns out delicious! It's best made with an ice cream maker, and if you have such a machine, it's extremely easy to assemble. Enjoy! Get The Recipe
  

  Slow Cooking Stew A flavorful wine such as Malbec or Merlot calls for a flavorful main dish. This tasty recipe fits the bill deliciously, and makes about 6 servings. And now that the kids are back in school, be aware that it's a meal you... Get The Recipe
  

  Portuguese Style Roasted Pork Rare is the recipe that matches equally well with red wines and white wines. This is such a recipe. We came across it while doing research on the wines that will be included in an upcoming club shipment from The World of Wines -featuring the wines of Portugal. The recipe makes 6 servings. And if you'd like to learn more about The World of Wine, click on the Get The Recipe
  

  Garlic Grilled Chicken The following recipe, which serves 4, transforms a classic white wine dish -chicken - into a perfect partner for red wines such as Merlot and Syrah. The secret? The generous use of garlic. Get The Recipe
  

  Duck Breast With Red Wine Risotto This recipe calls for a good quality red wine, and we suggest either Pinot Noir or Merlot. Whichever you choose, we also suggest serving that wine with the meal. This recipe makes 4 servings. Get The Recipe
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  Pan Fried Lamb Chops This recipe, which makes 4 servings, features flavors that can be enjoyed with virtually any red wine. Turn it into a complete meal with a side dish jasmine rice. Get The Recipe
  

  French Lamb Shank Stew With White Beans This recipe, from "The Mauna Loa Macadamia Cooking Treasury," matches wonderfully with Malbec, Merlot Sangiovese or Rhone red blends. It serves 6... Get The Recipe
  

  Smoked Salmon Penne Pasta In a world of "anything goes" food-and-wine pairing, we're always on the lookout for recipes that match well with either white or red wines. This is one such recipe, and it makes two servings... Get The Recipe
  

  Tuscan Style Roasted Game Hens If you're looking for a change from turkey or ham this holiday season, try this easy-to-prepare dish that matches well with both white and red wines. It serves 6... Get The Recipe
  

  Mustard Crusted Rack Of Lamb Try this tasty recipe, which serves 4 or more, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah or a red blend containing any of the aforementioned varieties... Get The Recipe
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  Pork Tenderloin With Tart Cherry Port And Caraway Sauce This delicious recipe from Sonoma County's J. Fritz Winery matches beautifully with almost any red wine. It makes 4 to 6 servings. Get The Recipe
  

  Lemony Lamb Chops Here's a versatile dish that matches well with red Bordeaux or Merlot, yet also can be enjoyed with white wines because of its lemon-flavored sauce. It makes 4 servings... Get The Recipe
  

  Boneless Leg Of Lamb This recipe, developed by the late James Beard, matches beautifully with Shiraz (a.k.a. Syrah), Shiraz/Cabernet blends and Merlot. It serves 6-8... Get The Recipe
  

  Pork Chops With Blueberry Sauce This recipe makes 4 servings, and matches wonderfully with Syrah/Shiraz, Zinfandel, Sangiovese, Merlot and red blends... Get The Recipe