94pts Vinous
The 2019 Chardonnay Silhouette is a rich, sumptuous, pretty impressive wine. Lemon confit, tangerine oil, butter, marzipan, tropical fruit and a healthy dose of new oak are all dialed up. This is a decidedly exuberant style, but it all works so well. The ample, creamy finish is a thing of beauty.
93pts Jeb Dunnuck
The 2019 Chardonnay Silhouette is a beauty. Coming from the Stanly Ranch Estate Vineyard in Napa and aged 18 months in 40% new French oak, it offers ripe melon, flower oil, and honeyed notes in a medium to full-bodied, balanced package. It has some attractive background oak but leads with its fruit.
93pts Wine Enthusiast
Packed with ripe fruits and generously accented with toasted oak notes of ginger and nutmeg, this full-bodied wine boasts winning concentration and a creamy texture. It is oaky in a good way, and not overwrought.
92pts James Suckling
A full-bodied chardonnay with aromas of ripe apricots, lemon curd, pastries, smoked almonds and toffee apples. Concentrated and nutty with buttery, dense layers.
90pts Wine Spectator
Seamless and elegant, showing a polished mix of tangerine, lemon blossom, toasted hazelnut and a hint of tropical fruit at the juicy core, with spice lingering on the finish. Drink now through 2030.
Winemaker Notes
Aromatically alluring, the 2019 Silhouette opens with notes of hazelnut, orange blossom and jasmine. Layered, complex flavors of lemon curd, dried pineapple and marzipan unfold on the broad yet focused palate. An elegant, deep acidity sustains the weight and natural lusciousness of the wine. The finish is long and evolving, exhibiting the traditional minerality of the historic Stanly Ranch Estate Vineyard.
History
Merryvale Vineyards is a family-owned Napa Valley winery dedicated to passionate winemaking and the fine art of living well. For the past 25 years Merryvale has been turning exceptional Napa Valley grapes into world class wine. Merryvale is world renowned for rich, powerful Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, the iconic Bordeaux-style red blend, Profile, and our everyday drinking, fruit driven brand, Starmont. Merryvale's historic building was the first winery built in the Napa Valley after the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, and has become a must see attraction for visitors to the valley.
Merryvale is committed to protecting and preserving the environment through conservation, renewable energy and sustainable farming practices at our three estate vineyards. Merryvale has received Napa Green Vineyard, Napa Green Winery and Bay Area Green Business certifications.
