2014 Castellucci Merlot St. Helena Napa Valley 750 ml

When we saw the dusty, untouched pallet in the corner, we knew we weren’t done tasting for the day.

We hounded our hosts at Castellucci Napa Valley to pry open a box and pop a cork. They indulged us—and what we tasted was the most perfectly aged, silkiest library Merlot we’ve had in half a decade.  

It’s the kind of wine we’re constantly scouring Napa Valley for, and we weren’t leaving without a share for our Discovery Club members.  

Shaped by world-class winemaker Jac Cole—an author of polished, long-lived wines at Spring Mountain Vineyards, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, and S. Anderson—this 2014 Merlot treasure hails from a gorgeous St. Helena property, not to mention one of the finest Napa Valley vintages in the 21st century. It’s drinking perfectly right now: Aromatically, the wine is inviting and warm, with rich tones of cedar, sandalwood, violets, and dried lilacs. The palate is round, dense, and mouth-filling, with a fine-grained tannin structure that feels soft yet defined. 

Founded by Italian immigrant and property magnate Antonio Castellucci—a true American success story—the Castellucci family has owned and farmed land in Napa Valley for over 20 years. They own 50 acres spread over prime sites in the Spring Mountain, Carneros, Rutherford, and St. Helena AVAs. This comes from their family's Fern Rock Vineyard on Spring Mountain, just up the road from Fantesca. The vineyard is managed by Antonio's son Marco and his team, who give it undivided attention year-round.

The 2014 vintage was spectacular, and this is the kind of find we can normally only wish for. We’re thrilled to share it with you.