Wine of the week: Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Merlot 2019

db's 'Wine of the week' is a Napa Valley Merlot which shows just how wrong Sideways got this unfairly maligned grape variety. Kristy Melton, winemaker at Freemark Abbey, revealed in the 2025 Master Winemakers guide that she harboured ambitions to become a zoologist when she was younger. After studying Biology & Animal Science at Angelo State University in Texas, she would then work as a research scientist at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, before a family trip to Napa Valley inspired her to enter the world of wine. Having decided on a change in career direction, she then earned a Masters in Viticulture & Enology from UC Davies in 2007. She says that working as a winemaker has taught her "humility and patience": "We winemakers like to control things in the vineyard and the cellar, but nature reminds us every day and every vintage that she cannot be controlled, and the very best thing you can do is work with her."

Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Merlot 2019

• Producer: Freemark Abbey
• Region: Napa Valley, California
• Country: USA
• Grape varieties: 87% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon
• ABV: 14.5%
• Approx. retail price: £60
• Medal: Master – Global Merlot Masters 2024

Established in 1886, Freemark Abbey was the 16th bonded winery in California. The only producer to have both a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Chardonnay in Steven Spurrier ’s 1976 ‘Judgment of Paris’ tasting, which catapulted Napa Valley into the international spotlight, Freemark Abbey’s ‘classic’ wines have long been recognised as exceptional. Fashioned by Freemark Abbey head winemaker Kristy Melton, the wine is deep ruby in colour, showing red plum and ripe blackcurrant fruit with touches of vanilla buttercream, exotic spices, leather and violet. On the palate, brisk acidity and linen tannins frame the flavours. Packed with layers and textures, the wine will be superb served with a lamb and barley stew with dried figs and olives. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)