Marilyn Merlot 2019

Marilyn Merlot 2019 is a 750ml Napa Valley Merlot bottled at 13.8% ABV, produced by Napa Wine Co in Oakville, California. Part of one of the most recognized collector wine series in the United States, each annual vintage features a unique image of Marilyn Monroe on the label — making the 2019 release both a drinking wine and a sought-after collectible. Previous vintages have earned Gold and Double Gold medals at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.8%  |  Origin: Napa Valley, California  |  Vintage: 2019  |  Winery: Napa Wine Co, Oakville

Production & Heritage

Marilyn Merlot is produced at Napa Wine Co in Oakville, drawing fruit from several distinguished Napa Valley sub-appellations including Carneros, Rutherford, and Howell Mountain. The 2019 vintage is primarily Merlot blended with a small percentage of Malbec for added depth and structure. The wine is aged for 18 to 20 months in 60-gallon French-coopered barrels made predominantly from American oak sourced in Missouri and Minnesota, with approximately one-third new oak barrels incorporated each year. This oak program imparts subtle spice and vanilla tones while allowing the fruit character to remain the focal point.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with deep garnet intensity, releasing aromas of mature plums, ripe cherries, and dark cassis. Beneath the fruit, subtle orange zest and spicy oak undertones emerge, adding aromatic complexity.

Taste: The palate entry is bold and fruit-driven, with rich dark plum and berry flavors commanding the mid-palate. As it develops, layers of vanilla, cocoa, and baked pie crust surface, supported by a judicious amount of new oak. The wine carries solid weight and a balanced structure that holds everything together without heaviness.

Finish: The finish is medium-long with lingering notes of dark fruit and subtle spice. Tannins are well-integrated, leaving a smooth, satisfying close.

How to Drink Marilyn Merlot

This Napa Merlot drinks well at cellar temperature (60–65°F), and benefits from 20 to 30 minutes of breathing in a large-bowled glass. Its ripe fruit and moderate tannin structure also make it a capable base for red wine cocktails. A classic Kalimotxo works here, where the wine's bold fruit balances against cola's sweetness. A Red Wine Sangria benefits from the plum and berry profile, which melds naturally with sliced stone fruits. For cooler months, a Mulled Wine preparation highlights the existing baking-spice and cocoa notes already present in the oak profile.

Best For

• Gifting a wine collector who values iconic pop-culture label art
• Building a vertical collection of Marilyn Monroe vintages
• Pairing with a hearty dinner of braised meats or aged cheeses
• Introducing Napa Valley Merlot to someone exploring California reds

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Marilyn Merlot taste like? Marilyn Merlot 2019 delivers ripe plum, dark berry, and cassis fruit layered with vanilla, cocoa, and baked pie crust from American oak aging. The palate is bold and full-bodied with balanced tannins and a smooth, lingering finish.

How does Marilyn Merlot compare to Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot? Both are Napa Valley Merlots, but Duckhorn tends toward a more polished, refined style with a longer track record of critical acclaim. Marilyn Merlot leans bolder and more fruit-forward with its American oak program, and carries the added appeal of its collectible annual label artwork.

Is Marilyn Merlot good for sipping neat? Yes — the 2019 vintage has enough complexity in its fruit, oak spice, and cocoa notes to reward attentive sipping, especially after a brief decant to let the aromas open fully.

Where is Marilyn Merlot made? Marilyn Merlot is produced at Napa Wine Co in Oakville, California, using Merlot grapes sourced from the Carneros, Rutherford, and Howell Mountain sub-appellations of Napa Valley.

What foods pair well with Marilyn Merlot? Braised short ribs work well, as the wine's dark fruit and tannins complement the rich, savory meat. Aged Gouda or Gruyère mirror the cocoa and vanilla notes. Mushroom risotto pairs naturally with the earthy undertones, while a classic beef Bolognese matches the wine's weight and bold fruit character. Dark chocolate desserts echo the cocoa present on the palate.

What sizes does Marilyn Merlot come in? Marilyn Merlot 2019 is available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Marilyn Merlot worth the price? Marilyn Merlot positions as a mid-range Napa Valley Merlot that carries additional value through its collectible label and limited annual releases. For drinkers who appreciate both the wine inside and the iconic artwork outside, it represents solid value within the Napa Merlot category.

Why Marilyn Merlot?

What separates the 2019 release from generic Napa Merlot is its dual identity as a serious drinking wine and a piece of pop-culture memorabilia — each vintage bears a distinct Marilyn Monroe image that has made complete vertical collections highly prized since the series launched. The multi-appellation fruit sourcing from Carneros, Rutherford, and Howell Mountain gives the blend a layered complexity that single-vineyard wines at this price point rarely achieve. Aging 18 to 20 months in French-coopered American oak with annual new-barrel rotation delivers oak influence that enhances rather than overwhelms the fruit. Prior vintages have earned Gold and Double Gold medals at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, confirming the series maintains genuine quality behind its famous label.