Vinous says:
The 2021 Merlot is a pretty serious wine. Swaths of tannin wrap around a core of dark fruit, graphite, lavender, mocha and spice. Time in the glass brings out lifted, floral top notes that lend brightness. The characteristics of a year with small berries come through in the wine's flavor and tannin intensity. For the last few years, the Merlot has included a fairly large amount of Cabernet Franc, and that is quite evident here. Since 2020, the Merlot has been made just with estate fruit. The 2021 is a gorgeous wine, but I would not dream of touching a bottle anytime soon.
And the Wine Advocate:
Enchanting aromas of red and black cherries lead the way on the nose of the 2021 Merlot, joined by gentle herbal notes reminiscent of thyme, sage and mint. A blend of 76% Merlot and 24% Cabernet Franc, matured in larger and/or older oak vessels for aging, it's a medium to full-bodied, silky wine, nicely balanced and ready to drink now but with enough stuffing to think it will age nicely for a decade or more.
And the Wine Spectator:
Precise and polished, with a well-framed core of lively acidity and well-buffed tannins that supports rich red currant, coffee bean and savory anise tones. Drink now through 2031. 485 cases made.
And Dunnuck:
Coming all from the estate on Mt. Veeder, the 2021 Merlot sports a deep ruby, almost opaque hue to go with a sweet nose of ripe red and black fruits (plums, black cherries), darker tobacco, leather, and roasted herbs. With medium to full-bodied richness, a round, sweetly fruited, powerful mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and terrific overall balance, it's an outstanding Merlot to drink over the coming 10-12 years, if not more.
