1985 | Marilyn Wines | Merlot

Red Wine: 1985 | Marilyn Wines | Merlot

This the first vintage of Marilyn Merlot. Life Magazine describe it “like the star it’s named after, Marilyn Merlot is a full bodied vintage from California, fruity and lucious.”

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Producer: Marilyn Wines

Vintage: 1985

Size: 750ml

ABV: 13.5%

Varietal: Merlot

Country/Region: United States, Napa Valley

In 1985, Marilyn Wine crafted a blend dominated by 95% Napa Valley Merlot complemented by 5% Napa Valley Cabernet Franc. The Merlot grape, characterized by its deep blue hue and named after the blackbird, is known for its early ripening nature and its crucial role in Bordeaux blends. In pursuit of an “International style,” the Merlot grapes were harvested later to enhance the wine’s tannins and body.

The inaugural release of the 1985 vintage, produced using bulk wine acquisitions, enjoyed strong commercial success. They quickly sold out their initial 2,500 cases and subsequently received a substantial order of 2,000 cases from Japan. To meet this demand, they procured additional bulk Merlot and conducted a second bottling using the 1985 harvest.

Producer Information

Marilyn Wines is a Napa Valley wine label, best known for Merlot-focused wines with labels themed around the famous American actress Marilyn Monroe. Marilyn wines are produced at the historic Napa Wine Company and are distributed by Nova Wines. Marilyn Wines began as a garage project in St Helena in 1981. The group was producing Merlot and circulating it among friends before the wine was christened Marilyn Merlot and commercially released in 1985. Production has since expanded due to both reception of the wine and the enduring popularity of Monroe. The catalog has a mixture of single-variety and proprietary blends with names all themed around Monroe as well as labels that all carry her image. Some of the most successful include the Marilyn Cabernet, Norma Jeane (Monroe’s given name), Marilyn Blonde de Noirs, Marilyn Meritage and Sauvignon Blonde. Marilyn Wines has an exclusive license with Monroe’s estate to utilize her likeness and name. Historically, new wines are released in conjunction with Monroe’s birthday on June 1. Despite the expanding range, Marilyn Merlot is still the flagship wine. The early vintages, particularly the 1985, have become collectors’ items and have reached super-premium prices. Marilyn Wines has long-term contracts with high-quality Merlot growers including Beckstoffer Vineyards.