Rating 96
Style Red
Variety
Vintage 2022
Appellation
Napa Valley
Napa County
North Coast
California
USA
ABV 14%
Price $75.00  Buy This Wine
Print Shelf Talker
Reviewed By
Reviewed 2025-09-09

Perfect For

Holiday Meals, Steak Dinner, Treat Yo'self

Drink If You Like

Barbera, Dolcetto , Merlot

Cuvaison Small Lot Arcilla Merlot 2022 Review

Cuvaison has been part of the fabric of California’s winemaking community since the late 1960s. It’s known for being one of the first to plant vines in the cool-climate Carneros district, making a highly celebrated Chardonnay. In Carneros, Merlot can also thrive under the influence of the San Pablo Bay. The name, Arcilla, is a nod to the clay-based soils of the Tai Vineyard where this wine comes from. With 22 months in (50 percent new) French oak barrels the result is one of the most soulful Merlots in the Valley. It opens with rich notes of blueberries and worn leather on the nose. The palate is elegant with refined fruit and an exceptional depth. The subtle tannins appear around the edges and flit in and out of the experience.

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96
POINTS
Cuvaison Small Lot Arcilla Merlot 2022
Cuvaison has been part of the fabric of California’s winemaking community since the late 1960s. It’s known for being one of the first to plant vines in the cool-climate Carneros district, making a highly celebrated Chardonnay. In Carneros, Merlot can also thrive under the influence of the San Pablo Bay. The name, Arcilla, is a nod to the clay-based soils of the Tai Vineyard where this wine comes from. With 22 months in (50 percent new) French oak barrels the result is one of the most soulful Merlots in the Valley. It opens with rich notes of blueberries and worn leather on the nose. The palate is elegant with refined fruit and an exceptional depth. The subtle tannins appear around the edges and flit in and out of the experience.

Reviewed On: 09-09-2025
96
POINTS
Cuvaison Small Lot Arcilla Merlot 2022
Cuvaison has been part of the fabric of California’s winemaking community since the late 1960s. It’s known for being one of the first to plant vines in the cool-climate Carneros district, making a highly celebrated Chardonnay. In Carneros, Merlot can also thrive under the influence of the San Pablo Bay. The name, Arcilla, is a nod to the clay-based soils of the Tai Vineyard where this wine comes from. With 22 months in (50 percent new) French oak barrels the result is one of the most soulful Merlots in the Valley. It opens with rich notes of blueberries and worn leather on the nose. The palate is elegant with refined fruit and an exceptional depth. The subtle tannins appear around the edges and flit in and out of the experience.

Reviewed On: 09-09-2025