2006 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Chase Creek Merlot

Happy Cellar Saturday!  It's the first Saturday of a new month which means it's Cellar Saturday, that magical time when I raid the cellar for something at least a decade in the making.  Tonight is a special Cellar Saturday, as this wine has not been in my cellar long, but it has been brewing for double my decade requirement, this one being 20 years in the making, thanks to a recent purchase from Wines Till Sold Out.  The 2006 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Chase Creek Merlot is a blend of Merlot (77%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (23%) from the Chase Creek, which lies between the S.L.V. and FAY vineyards in the Stag's Leap District of Napa Valley.  So, let's see how this wine has been spending the last two decades!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass with hints of amber along the edges, just as you'd expect from a mature Merlot.  The nose presents aromas of leather, black cherry, rich spices and toasted oak that have you immediately thinking of an Ivy League library.  The first sip is just a rambunctious affair with a rush of tart cherry, blackberry and currant that ease into some earthy mineral notes, caramel and vanilla bean notes midpalate.  The tannins are well structured and still vibrant, leading to a wonderful lingering dry finish that will have you reaching for another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as this is a classic Merlot that has every element which that stupid movie lacks!  This wine would pair well with a midafternoon cheese platter, rustic beef stew and classic grilled lamb.  Tonight I am taking the road less traveled and enjoying this wine with a pan seared salmon with steamed basmati rice topped with smoked paprika and steamed sugar snap peas.  Cheers!