Community Tasting Notes 135

• z_willus_d wrote: 91 points

  December 17, 2022 - For my sensibilities, Havens of the mid 2000s represented the promise of what Napa Valley could produce under the right stewardship. I'm certain there are many other examples, perhaps more in recent years, but the Haven's wines I've tried in the mid 2000s were special specimens for the time and place. To think this meager bottle of Merlot (purchased for $7 at discount) could age so gracefully through the years, well, the thoughts turn to my earlier point that Napa is a special area that's been widely abused IMO over the 2000's. At any rate, this wine was lovely, super balanced and still showcased pure red fruits with a splendor of complexities blended in. It's not the most dense or deep wine, sure, but it out-classes any number of Napa cabs that go for north of $100, particularly after 17-years of aging. While this is my last Merlot from Havens, I'm glad to have a number of other of the blended and relabeled wines from the era. I plan on drinking them over the next five years, and I'm certain they will all be a joy, as was this wine.

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• oakville72 Likes this wine: 89 points

  March 3, 2019 - Surprisingly together considering its age. A combination of aggressive tannins and good acidity has given it a longer life than many would have suspected. A considerable surprise given its bargain closeout price.

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• gcarl wrote: 91 points

  September 15, 2018 - 4 years since last bottle, still very nice and perhaps the best QPR ever at $6.98 from K&L

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• Italiana Likes this wine:

  March 11, 2016 - Last bottle. Not much left to say except that this bottle delivered and suggested a longer life to come for this wine. At the close out price paid, a shame not to have bought tons--should be a great crowd-pleaser for company, including cognoscenti.

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• Italiana Likes this wine:

  February 27, 2016 - Not much solace to the winery, but this was a very enjoyable bottle. Rich fruit. Everything else in place. More pleasure here than from some bottles ten times the price.

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Pro Reviews 1

Wine Definition

• Vintage 2006
• Type Red
• Producer Havens Wine Cellars
• Varietal Merlot
• Designation n/a
• Vineyard n/a
• Country USA
• Region California
• SubRegion Napa Valley
• Appellation Napa Valley
• UPC Code 089046000007

Community Holdings

• Pending Delivery 8 (0%)
• In Cellars 450 (27%)
• Consumed 1,219 (73%)

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