2012 Red Wine Napa Valley

PATEL Napa Valley Red Wine is our tribute to Right Bank Bordeaux-style red wines, such as Pomerol. In keeping with Right Bank tradition, Merlot makes up the majority of this offering. Sourced from Tourmaline Vineyards in the Coombsville AVA, the Merlot gives the wine its lush and elegant mouth-feel, and wonderful layers of rich cherry and black fruit. Winemaker added Malbec for its floral aroma and dark fruit flavors; Cab Franc for its structure and long, rich finish; and a touch of Petit Verdot for color depth and a tannin anchor.  Medium-deep dark red with a garnet hue. On the nose, the wine is layered with ripe red and black fruits, with a soft, subtle oak note adding a lovely dimension to the aroma. The palate of this wine is refined and elegant, showing great balance and approachability. Ripe fruit flavors and moderate acidity make up the mid-palate, followed by a medium-long finish.

The PATEL 2012 Red Wine can be enjoyed in its youth (we suggest decanting an hour or so before), but cellaring it for a few years will allow the wine to reach optimum maturity and expression. This wine should drink well for seven or more years after release.

The 2012 Red Blend PATEL is quite a bit deeper and more expressive. Darker tonalities of fruit meld into spice, lavender and new leather. This blend of Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot is absolutely delicious and approachable today.
~ 92 Points - Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com