Merus
2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
Coombsville AVA
Auction 23 | Lot No. 134
Vintage: 2017
Merus
Cabernet Sauvignon
Coombsville
5 cases produced
Highlights
- Selected from a single vineyard site in the prestigious Coombsville nested appellation
- Aging for 24 months in 100% new French oak, this Cabernet Sauvignon is delicious, concentrated and nuanced
- Powerful, yet elegant, with velvety tannins and rich multi-layered texture
- The cooler Coombsville nested appellation is located in the southeastern tip of Napa Valley
Description
Sourced from a single vineyard site in the Coombsville nested appellation, the 2017 Merus Cabernet Sauvignon is aged for 24 months in 100 percent new French oak. The Coombsville nested appellation is located at the southeastern corner of Napa Valley at the foothills of the Vaca Mountains. The wine is powerful, yet elegant, with velvety tannins and a rich, multi-layered texture.
Wine Facts
- Wine is unfiltered
- Single vineyard wine
John Clews
Winemaker, Merus
Merus earned its cult status through hard work, uncompromising standards and incredible fruit from the Coombsville AVA in southeastern Napa Valley. For Winemaker, John Clews, his hands-on approach to winemaking and strict farming protocols create wines that are handmade in every sense of the word. A Rhodesia native, John brings over 25 years of experience in the wine industry and continues Merus' commitment to producing world-class, handcrafted cult Cabernets.
John started his career as a London accountant, but his passion for wine led him to swap his note pad for a crush pad and life as a full-time winemaker. Having received his degree at University of Cape Town, John discovered his passion for wine and quickly became enthralled with the art of winemaking.
In pursuit of his dream, he attended the University of California, Davis where he was awarded the prestigious M.A. Amerine Research Scholarship from the Wine Spectator and earned his M.S. in Viticulture and Enology.
While he attended Davis, he worked almost full time for the best wine shop in Sacramento, Corti Bros, where he thought he learned as much as he did at Davis. After graduation John went on to work at Preston, Dry Creek for a harvest, then at Newton as the cellar master.
John refined his craft working with varied appellations and varietals before achieving a position as winemaker at Konocti in Lake County. He has since worked at Steele Winery in Lake County as General Manager/ Chief Enologist, Clos Du Val in Napa as Head Winemaker/Chief Operations Officer and most recently, E & J Gallo as Red Wine Manager.
John believes the climate, soils and varietal intensity make Napa Valley a special place to produce wine. The Merus boutique winery is gorgeous and the Coombsville and Yountville vineyards are about as good as you can get on the valley floor.
John looks forward to continuing Merus' hallmarks of producing rich, opulent and silky Cabernets. His typical day at Merus begins with meeting with the cellar crew and vineyard managers, working in the wine caves and cellar, and, when time allows, interacting with guests in the Merus tasting room.
In his free time John enjoys staying active in the outdoors by hiking, cycling and playing tennis in addition to reading and listening to classical music. His favorite place to travel is Europe because of the varied cultures, food and wine. John lives in Napa with his wife, Lisa, and three cats, Bruiser, Zam Zam and Tempest.
Country born: Rhodesia- Zimbabwe
Years in the wine industry: 20-30 years
Nakagawa Wine Co.
3-1-3, Kotobashi, Sumida-Ku
Tokyo 130-0022
Japan
81-3-5829-8161
Other Premiere Napa Valley Wines available from Nakagawa Wine Co.:
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| Duckhorn Vineyards | 2021 | Merlot | Napa Valley | THREE PALMS VINEYARD BLOCK 5 | 27 (2023) |
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| Lewis Cellars | 2021 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 27 (2023) | |
| Merryvale Vineyards | 2021 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | Estate Vineyard | 27 (2023) |
| O'Shaughnessy Estate Winery | 2021 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 27 (2023) | |
| Paraduxx | 2021 | Red Table Wine | Napa Valley | RECTOR CREEK VINEYARD | 27 (2023) |
| Quixote Winery | 2021 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | The Dragon's Windmill | 27 (2023) |
| S. R. Tonella Cellars | 2021 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | 27 (2023) | |
| THE GRADE Cellars | 2021 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Calistoga | Metamorphosis | 27 (2023) |
| To Kalon Vineyard Company | 2021 | Red Wine | Oakville | 27 (2023) | |
| TOR Wines | 2021 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | 'The Centennial' Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard | 27 (2023) |
| Coquerel Family Wine Estates | 2021 | Sauvignon Blanc | Calistoga | Walnut Wash Vineyard | 26 (2022) |
| Covert Estate | 2021 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Coombsville | Clone 341 | 26 (2022) |
| Duckhorn Vineyards | 2020 | Merlot | Napa Valley | Three Palms Merlot Block 4 | 26 (2022) |
| Lewis Cellars | 2020 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 26 (2022) | |
| Quixote Winery | 2020 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | La Locura de Don | 26 (2022) |
| Stag's Leap Wine Cellars | 2020 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | FAY Block 2A | 26 (2022) |
| Viader Vineyards & Winery | Non-vintage | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 26 (2022) | |
| Coquerel Family Wine Estates | 2019 | Sauvignon Blanc | Calistoga | 24 (2020) | |
| Dakota Shy | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Sure Bet | 24 (2020) |
| Hudson Ranch | 2018 | Chardonnay | Napa Valley | Laughing Lands | 24 (2020) |
| Hyde Estate Winery | 2019 | Pinot Noir | Los Carneros | Larry Hyde | 24 (2020) |
| Inglenook | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | Rutherford Bench Redux | 24 (2020) |
| JaM Cellars | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Coombsville | 24 (2020) | |
| ONEHOPE | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Oakville | 24 (2020) |
| QTR | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Cascade View | 24 (2020) |
| Round Pond Estate | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | SVS Gravel Series Blend | 24 (2020) |
| Saintsbury | 2019 | Pinot Noir | Los Carneros | Lee Vineyard Clonal Blend | 24 (2020) |
| Staglin Family Vineyard | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | 24 (2020) | |
| Terra Valentine | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Spring Mountain District | Night Sky | 24 (2020) |
| THE GRADE Cellars | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Calistoga | Into The Mystic | 24 (2020) |
| Titus Vineyards | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 24 (2020) | |
| Zakin Family Estate | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Jan's Jewel | 24 (2020) |
| Brilliant Mistake Wines | 2017 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | The Poet & The Muse | 23 (2019) |
| Dakota Shy | 2017 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Guardian | 23 (2019) |
| Duckhorn Vineyards | 2017 | Merlot | Calistoga | Three Palms Vineyard -Block Selection | 23 (2019) |
| Honig Vineyard & Winery | 2017 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | Campbell Hillside | 23 (2019) |
| Jones Family Vineyards | 2017 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Calistoga | 23 (2019) | |
| Larkmead Vineyards | 2017 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | The Lark Ascending | 23 (2019) |
| Lewis Cellars | 2017 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Premiere | 23 (2019) |
| Marciano Estate | 2017 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | La Gratitude | 23 (2019) |
| Merus | 2017 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Coombsville | 23 (2019) | |
| Palazzo Wine | 2017 | Cabernet Franc | Los Carneros | Midnight Angel | 23 (2019) |
| Stony Hill Vineyard | 2018 | Chardonnay | Spring Mountain District | 23 (2019) | |
| Twomey | 2017 | Merlot | Napa Valley | 23 (2019) | |
| Arietta | 2016 | Cabernet Franc | Napa Valley | First Franc | 22 (2018) |
| Coquerel Family Wine Estates | 2017 | Sauvignon Blanc | Calistoga | Terroir Walnut Wash | 22 (2018) |
| Domaine Chandon | 2008 | Brut Sparkling Wine | Yountville | 22 (2018) | |
| Duckhorn Vineyards | 2016 | Merlot | Napa Valley | Three Palms Vineyard, Block 5 Selection | 22 (2018) |
| JCB by Jean-Charles Boisset | 2016 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Decadence | 22 (2018) |
| Lewis Cellars | 2016 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Premiere | 22 (2018) |
| Luna Vineyards | 2016 | Sangiovese | Napa Valley | Riserva | 22 (2018) |
| Paraduxx | 2016 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Premiere Blend | 22 (2018) |
| Saintsbury | 2017 | Pinot Noir | Los Carneros | Lee Vineyard Clonal Blend | 22 (2018) |
| Schramsberg Vineyards | 1997 | Sparkling Wine | Napa Valley | Schramsberg Reserve Late Disgorged | 22 (2018) |
| Stag's Leap Wine Cellars | 2016 | Cabernet Franc | Stags Leap District | S.L.V. First Growth Cabernet Franc | 22 (2018) |
| Viader Vineyards & Winery | 2016 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Homenaje | 22 (2018) |
| Yao Family Wines | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | 22 (2018) | |
| Coquerel Family Wine Estates | 2016 | Sauvignon Blanc | Calistoga | 21 (2017) | |
| Dana Estates | 2015 | Sauvignon Blanc | Howell Mountain | 21 (2017) | |
| Duckhorn Vineyards | 2015 | Merlot | Calistoga | Three Palms Vineyard Block Selection | 21 (2017) |
| Favia Erickson Winegrowers | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Homage to Antonio | 21 (2017) |
| Lewis Cellars | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 21 (2017) | |
| Marciano Estate | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 21 (2017) | |
| Nickel & Nickel | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | John C. Sullenger Vineyard | 21 (2017) |
| Pahlmeyer | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Pièce de Résistance | 21 (2017) |
| Rutherford Hill Winery | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | 21 (2017) | |
| Saintsbury | 2016 | Pinot Noir | Los Carneros | Lee Vineyard Clonal Blend | 21 (2017) |
| Sciandri Family Vineyards | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Coombsville | I Am Delicious | 21 (2017) |
| Staglin Family Vineyard | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | Booth Bella Oaks | 21 (2017) |
| Stag's Leap Wine Cellars | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | S.L.V. Grande Dame | 21 (2017) |
| Beringer Vineyards | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 20 (2016) | |
| Bouchaine Vineyards | 2015 | Pinot Noir | Los Carneros | Best Barrel | 20 (2016) |
| Duckhorn Vineyards | 2014 | Merlot | Napa Valley | 20 (2016) | |
| Lewis Cellars | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 20 (2016) | |
| Ovid Napa Valley | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | S.P.Q.R. | 20 (2016) |
| Pahlmeyer | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 20 (2016) | |
| Rutherford Hill Winery | 2014 | Merlot | Rutherford | 20 (2016) | |
| Ca' Momi | 2013 | Pinot Noir | Los Carneros | 19 (2015) | |
| Freemark Abbey | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Spring Mountain District | York Creek Vineyard | 19 (2015) |
| Kata | 2013 | Red Wine | St. Helena | Benny's Blend | 19 (2015) |
| Lewis Cellars | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Premiere Blend | 19 (2015) |
| Paraduxx | 2013 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Premiere Blend | 19 (2015) |
| Pulido~Walker | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | The Possible II | 19 (2015) |
| Tetra | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Mountain Song | 19 (2015) |
| Aloft Wine | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Howell Mountain | 18 (2014) | |
| Amuse Bouche Winery | 2012 | Merlot | St. Helena | Heidi's Mouth-Watering Cuvee | 18 (2014) |
| Anomaly Vineyards | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | 18 (2014) | |
| Favia Erickson Winegrowers | 2012 | Red Wine | Coombsville | The Century Egg | 18 (2014) |
| Flying Horse Winery | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Yuiho | 18 (2014) |
| Kapcsandy Family Winery | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Yountville | State Lane Vineyard | 18 (2014) |
| Lewis Cellars | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Premiere Blend | 18 (2014) |
| Memento Mori | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard | 18 (2014) |
| Acacia Vineyard | 2012 | Pinot Noir | Los Carneros | Lone Tree Vineyard | 17 (2013) |
| Duckhorn Vineyards | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Three Palms Vineyard Barrel Selection | 17 (2013) |
| Erba Mountainside Vineyards | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Winemaker's Selection | 17 (2013) |
| Gandona Estate | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 17 (2013) | |
| Kitchak Cellars | 2011 | Merlot | Napa Valley | Symphony | 17 (2013) |
| Lewis Cellars | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Premiere Blend | 17 (2013) |
| PureCru Napa Valley | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Secret 7 Selection (S-7-S) | 17 (2013) |
| Revana Family Vineyard | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Premiere Cuvée | 17 (2013) |
| Amuse Bouche Winery | 2010 | Merlot | Napa Valley | 16 (2012) | |
| Artesa Vineyards & Winery | 2011 | Pinot Noir | Los Carneros | Estate | 16 (2012) |
| Kapcsandy Family Winery | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Yountville | 16 (2012) | |
| Lewis Cellars | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Best of the Best Premiere Blend | 16 (2012) |
| Ovid Napa Valley | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Hexameter | 16 (2012) |
| Revana Family Vineyard | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | Premiere Cuvee | 16 (2012) |
| Tuck Beckstoffer Wines | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 16 (2012) | |
| Hestan Vineyards | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Stephanie | 15 (2011) |
| Lewis Cellars | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Premiere Blend | 15 (2011) |
| Scarecrow Wine | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | Toto’s Opium Dream: Scene II | 15 (2011) |
| Schramsberg Vineyards | 1985 | Sparkling Wine | Napa Valley | Late Disgorged Blanc de Blancs | 15 (2011) |
| Tuck Beckstoffer Wines | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 15 (2011) | |
| Anomaly Vineyards | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | 14 (2010) | |
| Antica Napa Valley - Antinori Family Wine Estate | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Townsend Vineyard | 14 (2010) |
| Chimney Rock Winery | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | Tomahawk Vineyard, Premiere Cuvée | 14 (2010) |
| Freemark Abbey | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Spring Mountain District | York Creek Cabernet | 14 (2010) |
| Gargiulo Vineyards | 2008 | Red Wine | Oakville | OVX Estate Blend | 14 (2010) |
| Lewis Cellars | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Premiere Blend | 14 (2010) |
| Livingston Moffett Wines, LLC | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Yountville | 14 (2010) | |
| Paoletti Estates Winery | 2008 | Nero d'Avola | Calistoga | 14 (2010) | |
| Schrader Cellars, LLC | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Double Diamond Turbo X | 14 (2010) |
| Schramsberg Vineyards | 1994 | Sparkling Wine | Napa Valley | 1994 Reserve - Late Disgorged | 14 (2010) |
| TOR Kenward Family Wines | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | To Kalon Vineyard | 14 (2010) |
| Truchard Vineyards | 2009 | Pinot Noir | Los Carneros | 14 (2010) | |
| Tuck Beckstoffer Wines | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 14 (2010) | |
| Amuse Bouche Winery | 2007 | Merlot | Napa Valley | Pomerol Blend-Merlot/Cabernet Franc | 13 (2009) |
| Howell at the Moon | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Howell Mountain | Knoll | 13 (2009) |
| Lewis Cellars | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Premiere Blend | 13 (2009) |
| Ovid Napa Valley | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Apotheca | 13 (2009) |
| PlumpJack Winery | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | I Block Reserve | 13 (2009) |
| Revana Family Vineyard | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Premiere Cuvee | 13 (2009) |
| Scarecrow Wine | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Toto’s Opium Dream | 13 (2009) |
| Amuse Bouche Winery | 2006 | Merlot | Napa Valley | Pomerol Blend | 12 (2008) |
| Duckhorn Vineyards | 2006 | Merlot | Napa Valley | 12 (2008) | |
| Lewis Cellars | 2006 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Premiere Blend | 12 (2008) |
| PlumpJack Winery | 2006 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | I Block | 12 (2008) |
| TOR Kenward Family Wines | 2006 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | Beckstoffer To Kalon Best Barrels | 12 (2008) |
| Amuse Bouche Winery | 2005 | Red Wine | St. Helena | 11 (2007) | |
| Lewis Cellars | 2005 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Premiere Blend | 11 (2007) |
| Paraduxx | 2005 | 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Zinfandel, 3% Cabernet Franc | Yountville | 11 (2007) | |
| PlumpJack Winery | 2005 | Syrah | Los Carneros | 11 (2007) | |
| Staglin Family Vineyard | 2005 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | 11 (2007) | |
| Volker Eisele Family Estate | 2005 | Red Table Wine | Chiles Valley District | 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Merlot | 11 (2007) |
| Zahtila Vineyards | 2005 | Zinfandel | Calistoga | Oat Hill Estate Barrel Select | 11 (2007) |
| Corison Winery | 2004 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Premiere Reserve | 10 (2006) |
| Duckhorn Vineyards | 2004 | Merlot | Oakville | 10 (2006) | |
| Lewis Cellars | 2006 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | PREMIER CUVEE | 10 (2006) |
| Lokoya | 2004 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 10 (2006) | |
| Paraduxx | 2004 | Red Wine | Yountville | Rector Creek Vineyard | 10 (2006) |
| Shafer Vineyards | 2004 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | Sunspot Vineyard | 10 (2006) |
| Viader Vineyards and Winery | 2004 | Petit Verdot | Howell Mountain | "V" | 10 (2006) |
| Spring Mountain Vineyard | 1999 | Syrah | Spring Mountain District | Miravalle | 5 (2001) |
Winery Distribution
Merus is distributed in the following markets. Please contact the winery directly for the most up-to-date distribution information and to explore commercial opportunities.
Domestic:
- Alabama (Alabama Crown)
- Arizona (SGWS)
- California (SGWS)
- Florida (SGWS)
- Georgia (Georgia Crown)
- Hawaii (SGWS)
- Illinois (SGWS)
- Kentucky (SGWS)
- Maryland (SGWS)
- Michigan (Imperial Beverage)
- Missouri (SGWS)
- Montana (George's Distributing Inc)
- New Jersey (SGWS)
- New Jersey (Allied Beverage Group)
- New York (SGWS)
- North Carolina (Johnson Brothers)
- Oregon (SGWS)
- Pennsylvania (SGWS)
- Tennessee (Lipman Bros)
- Texas (SGWS)
- Virginia (RNDC Virginia)
- Washington (SGWS)
- Wisconsin (Johnson Brothers)