Jarvis 2018 Cave Fermented Merlot Napa Valley

Jarvis 2018 Merlot Napa Valley (Cave Fermented) is a luxurious and finely structured Merlot that showcases the depth and precision possible from Napa Valley mountain vineyards. Rich yet beautifully balanced, it reveals layers of dark plum, black cherry, cocoa, and subtle cedar framed by polished tannins and vibrant acidity. Fermented and aged in Jarvis Estate’s famous underground cave winery, the wine combines opulence with remarkable elegance and aging potential.

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Origins & Craftsmanship
Jarvis Estate is located on the eastern slopes of the Vaca Mountains in Napa Valley, where vineyards climb to elevations around 1,000 feet above the valley floor. The cooler mountain climate and rocky soils help produce grapes with concentrated flavor and natural acidity.

The winery is famous for its fully underground cave winery, one of the most elaborate cave systems in Napa Valley. Fermentation and aging occur entirely underground, where natural temperature stability allows extremely gentle handling of the wine and precise maturation.

The 2018 vintage benefited from a long, balanced growing season in Napa Valley, producing grapes with excellent ripeness and structure. The Merlot is made entirely from estate-grown fruit, harvested by hand and fermented in the cave winery to preserve delicate aromatics and texture.

After fermentation, the wine matures in French oak barrels, allowing structure and spice to integrate with the wine’s plush fruit core while maintaining freshness and balance.

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Critics Reviews

• Wine Enthusiast – 93 Points
  Wine Enthusiast highlights the wine’s balance between ripe black fruit, acidity, and gentle tannins, noting flavors of dark plum, maraschino cherry, and a hint of cedar that make it a versatile pairing for a wide range of dishes.

• Beverage Testing Institute – 95 Points
  The Beverage Testing Institute awarded the wine 95 points and a Gold Medal, recognizing its exceptional quality and complexity.

These scores underscore the wine’s standing as one of Napa Valley’s most impressive Merlot bottlings.

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Tasting Profile

Nose:
Elegant aromas of ripe plum, black cherry, and cocoa, accented by hints of cedar, vanilla, and warm spice.

Palate:
Full-bodied and velvety with dark berry fruit, mocha, and subtle oak, supported by balanced acidity and refined tannins.

Finish:
Long and polished with lingering plum, chocolate, and gentle spice, reflecting the wine’s mountain origin and careful barrel aging.

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Quick Overview

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Food Pairings

This Merlot pairs beautifully with:

• Roast duck or duck confit

• Beef tenderloin or filet mignon

• Lamb chops with herbs

• Mushroom risotto or truffle pasta

• Aged cheeses such as Gruyère or aged cheddar