PlumpJack’s Merlot is plump, for sure–an exuberantly fruity, spice-packed treat. Full of unapologetic, born-this-way Merlot moxie, it divided the room between those who love Merlot and those who remain unconvinced.
But, as you might have guessed from this #MerlotThursday series (now in its 53rd installment!) we are not hesitant sippers. We’re fully on board the Merlot train, luggage stowed and passports in hand.
PlumpJack is sure of its destination, too, made from 100% Merlot and crafted in a full-bodied, oak-kissed style. The warm 2022 vintage yielded some excellent Merlot in Napa Valley. However, a prolonged drought and an erratic summer presented challenges to growers. In the best wines, low rainfall led to concentrated fruit, while careful harvest timing and blending moderated the effects of the season’s heat spikes.
This is a wine that leans into decadence while still keeping its wits about it. Ripe and jammy fruits (raspberry, boysenberry, currant jam) are elevated by a whiff of milled cedar and sandalwood. Dessert-like notes follow: Gingersnap, chocolate caramels, and fresh-ground baking spices. The bake-shop aromas are freshened by a hint of rhubarb, and grounded in earthy, dark brewed coffee.
On the palate, it’s fully dry (but sweet-tooth satisfying) with red plum compote, milk chocolate, and cherry skins. Snappy acidity and lingering soft tannins provide structure. When the fruit fades, it’s replaced by a pleasing aftertaste of caramel and milk tea.
The grapes for PlumpJack are sourced from two Napa sub-AVAs: Oak Knoll for fruit richness and the cooler Carneros for freshness. The majority of the wine spent 18 months in French oak barrels (two-thirds new, the rest second-fill). A small portion of the blend (8%) was aged in American oak.
A wine this fragrant and outspoken is, for me, best when sipped on its own. If I have to imagine a food pairing, I’d serve it as an indulgent snack with crusty bread and salty butter. Or for dessert, with a piece of toasty Basque cheesecake to complement its caramel notes.
I enjoyed PlumpJack Merlot last night at The Wine Authority, where the owner was pouring it as part of a special reserve tasting to celebrate my Merlot Thursday anniversary. 😂🍷
Bottle: PlumpJack Napa Valley Merlot (2022) – California, United States
Variety: Merlot (100%)
ABV: 14.8%
Suggested retail: $81.99
My rating: 9.2 (out of 10)
Further reading:
PlumpJack Estate Winery: The PlumpJack Story
Review disclosure: I was not compensated or provided any free products for this review. Opinions expressed on The Wine Fairy blog are entirely my own.
On Thursdays, we Merlot! See past #MerlotThursday reviews.
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