1986 marked the second vintage of the Marilyn Merlot. Adorned with its stand-out iconic Marilyn Monroe label, this is a wonderfully mature Napa Valley Merlot and a rare treat.
Reviews:
- Wine Spectator: The second vintage of Marilyn Merlot. This is one wine that can truly claim to be seductive.
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.
