Cakebread Cellars sources the fruit for its Napa Valley Merlot from owned vineyards and those of other growers in the Rutherford and Oak Knoll areas of the Valley and from selected microclimates in the Carneros appellation. Their objective with this wine is to create a harmonious balance between red fruit characteristics, or flavors and aromas of raspberries, red cherries and plums; and black fruit characteristics, suggestive of cassis, dark chocolate and black cherries. Blending fruit from these three areas is key to achieving this result. Up to 25 percent Cabernet Sauvignon contributes structure to the blend and enhances the black fruit component of the wine.

Cakebread Cellars Merlot is dark garnet in color, reflecting its rich fruit character. Subtle aromas of blackberries, black tea leaves, dried herbs and vanillin are followed on the palate by fresh plum and cherry flavors offset by notes of black pepper and cassis, carrying into a touch of French oak on the finish.