All of the fruit for Cafaro's 2003 Napa Valley Merlot comes from the winery's estate vineyard in the eastern hills, just south of the Stags Leap District. Aged for 20 months in 95% French and 5% American oak barrels (50% new) this wine adds small amounts of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and petite verdot (10% of the blend) to create depth and complexity. Forward red fruit and notes of cedar and smoke characterize this approachable wine.