![]() |
Wineries / Nova |
Wine enthusiasts with a sense of humor have long enjoyed the playful spirit behind Marilyn Merlot wines, which today are equally prized by wine connoisseurs, collectors, and fans of Marilyn Monroe.
Since 1985, each distinctive vintage of Marilyn Merlot has featured a unique label based on a photograph of Marilyn Monroe and designed by Susann Ortega of Ortega Design Studio.
Each new vintage is released on Marilyn Monroe's birthday, June 1st, and sells out quickly. Collectors have made Marilyn Merlot one of the fastest-appreciating wines on the market, as twelve-bottle sets of the 1985 through 1996 vintages continue to grow in value and are now selling for $8,000.
While the concept and engaging artwork of these wines has given them a degree of fame, it is the wine in the bottle that merits the favor of those who seek it every year. All vintages carry the Napa Valley appellation (except for the 1987 vintage, which was imported from France). The wines are made at the Cult Wine Central in Oakville, California. Some of Napa Valley's finest vineyards contribute to the blend, which is typically about 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Marilyn Merlot wines consistently win praise from critics and lovers of stylish and delicious Merlot
Framed Marilyn Cabernet Labels, price includes ground shipping
-- $500.00
-- A framed set of the 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002 Marilyn Cabernet labels, signed by label designer Susann Ortega. Only 200 of these sets will be sold.
Marilyn Velvet Collection 2002 3 Bottle Set
-- $1,000.00
-- Stunning 3 Bottle Set:
3 Liter (equal to 4 Bottles)
1.5 Liter (equal to 2 bottles)
.750 ml (standard bottle) in a handsome wooden presentation box with a clear acrylic lid.
Very limited quantity - fewer than 1000 individually numbered sets.
Napa Winery releases Velvet Wine Collection featuring seductive Marilyn Monroe calendar photo with first ever . . .
Marilyn Velvet Collection 2002 Magnum Set
-- $250.00
-- Napa Winery releases Velvet Wine Collection featuring seductive Marilyn Monroe calendar photo with first ever peel-away wine label.
Numbered and Sealed Limited Edition.
Wine with a classic and provocative Marilyn Monroe calendar photograph. The label of the first release of the new brand, called Velvet Collection, features a photo of Marilyn . . .
Marilyn Velvet Collection 2003 3 Bottle Set (Playboy Edition)
-- $1,500.00
-- Stunning 3 Bottle Set:
3 Liter (equal to 4 Bottles)
1.5 Liter (equal to 2 bottles)
.750 ml (standard bottle) in a handsome wooden presentation box with a clear acrylic lid.
Very limited quantity - fewer than 1000 individually numbered sets.
One of the most stunning and innovative new wines in recent years debuted in 2004 with the first release of The Velvet . . .
Marilyn Velvet Collection 2003 Magnum Set (Playboy Edition)
-- $200.00
-- One of the most stunning and innovative new wines in recent years debuted in 2004 with the first release of The Velvet Collection.
Now comes the second in this very limited series of superb Napa Valley wine. A blend of 55% Napa Valley Cabernet and 45% Napa Valley Merlot makes this wine as tempting and voluptuous as the portrait itself.
The photo that graces this release . . .
Marilyn Velvet Collection 2004 Magnum Set (Playboy Edition)
-- $200.00
-- One of the most stunning and innovative new wines in recent years debuted in 2004 with the first release of The Velvet Collection.
This is the third release of the 10 label Velvet Collection series and comes from the 2004 vintage. It is a proprietary blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon and 48% Merlot from the Napa Valley. The rich red color, aromas of mature black fruits and exotic spices . . .
Marilyn Cabernet Vertical 1998 - 2002
-- $500.00
-- The Entire Second Series of Marilyn Cabernet Special:
5 bottle Set including 1 bottle of each vintage, 1998-2002 Marilyn Cabernet, and the framed Marilyn Cabernet label set (no box).
Price does not include shipping.
Marilyn Cabernet, 1993 - 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Vertical, Napa Valley
-- $1,700.00
--
Untitled Document
The five bottle set of Marilyn Cabernet is available, including vintages 1993 - 1997. This is the complete set in the Marilyn Cabernet series with this label design. Each of the Marilyn Cabernet vintages has the same image of Marilyn Monroe, but each has a different background color.
Napa Valley, CA
Released: Fall, 2001
Marilyn Cabernet, 1993 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
-- $1,100.00
--
Untitled Document
This wine is the first of a five vintage set. All five years will share the same label portrait but each vintage will have a different background color. Each bottle is individually numbered.The 1993 Marilyn Cabernet presents intense varietal character up front with hints of currants and spice. Full on the pallet with abundant soft tannins to carry the flavors through . . .
Marilyn Cabernet, 1994 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
-- $550.00
--
Untitled Document
Our 1994 Marilyn Cabernet is the color of a dark deep ruby with intriguing aromas of black currant, clove and distinct raspberry. There is a 'briariness' in the aromas combined with notes of mincemeat and cedar. Lively berry fruit flavors, especially blackberry, are pronounced yet well balanced with a crisp, spicy mouth-feel. Youthful for a '94 the wine has moderate . . .
Marilyn Cabernet, 1995 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
-- $120.00
--
Untitled Document
Our 1995 Marilyn Cabernet is a vibrant, ruby red color with lively aromas of cherries, cassis and tea leaves. Flavors of raspberries and vanilla with a hint of cinnamon and cloves compliment the supple tannins, which will carry this wine for the next seven to ten years.The 1995 Marilyn Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc and 7% . . .
Marilyn Cabernet, 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
-- $115.00
--
Untitled Document
Our 1996 Marilyn Cabernet is a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc and 10% Merlot, harvested from some of the most presigious areas of the Napa Valley. Winemaker John Gibson who has made our earlier Marilyn Cabernets created this blend. The wine was aged for 18 months in French and American oak barrels.The 1996 Marilyn Cabernet is dark crimson in color . . .
Marilyn Cabernet, 1997 Cabernet Sauvingon, Napa Valley
-- $115.00
--
Untitled Document
The Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot grapes grown in the Napa Valley in 1997 were unlike any other vintage in the 1990's. Nearly perfect growing conditions allowed winemakers to produce some of the most compelling wines of the decade. Such is the case with the 1997 Marilyn Cabernet.The dark and vibrant color of the 1997 Marilyn Cabernet . . .
Marilyn Cabernet, 1998 Cabernet Sauvingon, Napa Valley
-- $130.00
--
Untitled Document
The 1998 Marilyn Cabernet, is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, and 12% Merlot, all from the heart of the Napa Valley. Two years of bottle aging in French oak contributed complexity, well-integrated aromas of mature black fruits, and . . .
Marilyn Cabernet, 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
-- $150.00
--
Untitled Document
The 1999 Marilyn Cabernet, is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. This classically styled Cabernet has aromas of cassis, black currants and toasty oak. The flavors are a good balance of fruit and acidity. Adding Merlot to the blend softens the more aggressive texture of the Cabernet without compromising the wines . . .
Marilyn Cabernet, 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
-- $55.00
--
Untitled Document
The 2000 Marilyn Cabernet, is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. This classically styled Cabernet has aromas of cassis, black currants and toasty oak. The flavors are a good balance of fruit and acidity. Adding Merlot to the blend softens the more aggressive texture of the Cabernet without compromising the wines . . .
Marilyn Cabernet, 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
-- $55.00
--
Untitled Document
The 2001 vintage Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. This classically styled Cabernet has aromas of cassis, black currants, and toast oak. The flavors are a good balance of fruit and acidity. Adding Merlot to the blend softens the more aggressive texture of the Cabernet without compromising . . .
Marilyn Cabernet, 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
-- $45.00
-- The 2002 vintage Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. This classically styled Cabernet has aromas of cassis, black currants, and toast oak. The flavors are a good balance of fruit and acidity. Adding Merlot to the blend softens the more aggressive texture of the Cabernet without compromising the wines aging ability.
The vineyards sources range from the Yountville . . .
Marilyn Merlot, 1985 - 1996 Merlot Vertical Napa Valley, CA
-- $10,000.00
--
Untitled Document
The Marilyn Merlot Vertical collection includes 12 bottles, one each of the
first twelve vintages . . .
Marilyn Merlot, 1985 Merlot, Napa Valley
-- $3,800.00
--
Untitled Document
'Like the star it's named after, Marilyn Merlot is a full-bodied vintage from California, fruity and luscious.' (Life Magazine, March 1988). There were two separate bottlings of 1985 Marilyn Merlot. The first lot, labeled 'Red Table Wine', was sold primarily in the US. The second lot was primarily exported, labeled 'Merlot'.Napa Valley, CA
85% Merlot . . .
Marilyn Merlot, 1986 Merlot, Napa Valley
-- $2,750.00
--
Untitled Document
'This is one wine that can truly claim to be seductive.' - (Wine Spectator Buying Guide, Dec. 31, 1998). On the 1986 Marilyn Merlot, Marilyn Monroe is wearing the gold lame Sravella gown from the movie, 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes'.Napa Valley, CA
85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc
Oak:23 MonthsFrench100%
Released: May 1, 1988
Marilyn Merlot, 1987 Merlot, Napa Valley
-- $2,700.00
--
Untitled Document
'Finishes smooth and inviting: makes you want another sip.' - Wine Spectator,
May 31, 1992.
'...The best full bodied red of 1987'.
'A wine with great legs...The full bodied, red varietal backing up the equal
full bodied image of Hollywood's former sex goddess originally came from the
Napa Valley... The 1987 edition was made from Merlot grown . . .
Marilyn Merlot, 1988 Merlot, Napa Valley
-- $2,000.00
--
Untitled Document
'Soft, ripe and generous with lots of blackberry and currant aromas....' - (Wine Spectator Buying Guide)Napa Valley, CA
85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc
Oak:23 MonthsFrench100%
Released: May 1, 1990
Marilyn Merlot, 1989 Merlot, Napa Valley
-- $3,000.00
--
Untitled Document
'Lean and lively, with a nice core of raspberry and currant flavors... Finishes smooth and inviting: makes you want another sip.' (Wine Spectator, May 31, 1992).'Toast glamour with Marilyn Merlot, a red wine from Napa Valley.' (Parade Magazine, Nov. 14, 1993).Napa Valley, CA
85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc
Oak:23 MonthsFrench100%
Released: May . . .
Marilyn Merlot, 1990 Merlot, Napa Valley
-- $750.00
--
Untitled Document
'Ripe and spicy.....'' - (Wine Spectator Buying Guide).The label for the 1990 Marilyn Merlot is from the publicity campaign for the movie, 'How to Marry a Millionaire'.Napa Valley, CA
85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc
Oak:23 MonthsFrench100%
Released: May 1, 1992
Marilyn Merlot, 1991 Merlot, Napa Valley
-- $700.00
--
Untitled Document
'It's a little tart and very full bodied' - (Chicago Tribune, Aug. 27, 1992.)
The 1991 Marilyn Merlot label is from an advertisement for Chanel perfume.
Napa Valley, CA
85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc
Oak:23 MonthsFrench100%
Released: May 1, 1993
Marilyn Merlot, 1992 Merlot, Napa Valley
-- $250.00
--
Untitled Document
This vintage contained an unusually high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon -
21%: Cabernet Franc - 4%, Napa Valley Merlot - 75%. The 1992 Marilyn Merlot
label is from a photographic session at Hampton Beach in 1958 done by Sam Shaw.
Napa Valley, CA
75% Merlot, 21% Cab. Sav, 4% Cab. Franc
Oak:23 MonthsFrench100%
Released: May 1, 1994
Marilyn Merlot, 1993 Merlot, Napa Valley
-- $500.00
--
Untitled Document
'A graceful and feminine red. Supple but medium-bodied with an explosion of berry and velvety plum flavors.' - (Details Magazine, February, 1996).'The 1993 vintage of Marilyn Merlot, a wine that is becoming a collector's item, is appearing in a few wine shops....(New York Times, May 31, 1995).'Moderately full in body (and dare we say, voluptuous), it is . . .
Marilyn Merlot, 1994 Merlot, Napa Valley
-- $250.00
--
Untitled Document
The 1994 Marilyn Merlot was our tenth vintage. The photograph used in this label is one of Milton Greene's most famous Marilyn Monroe sessions. It was inspired by an illfitting white dress with a crinoline that Marilyn didn't wear but just held up to her body.Napa Valley, CA
93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 3% Cab. Franc
Oak:24 MonthsFrench100%
Released: May 1 . . .
Marilyn Merlot, 1995 Merlot, Napa Valley
-- $500.00
--
Untitled Document
Marilyn Merlot has appealed to a growing number of fans of this popular varietal and this famous Hollywood icon. Magazines from Playboy to Parade have written about Marilyn Merlot as one of California's best Merlots. Many newspapers, including the New York times hailed the new releases.The 1995 Marilyn Merlot label is from a photograph done by Milton Greene with Marilyn . . .
Marilyn Merlot, 1996 Merlot, Napa Valley
-- $225.00
--
Untitled Document
'Every seven years or so I get an itch, and nothing can cure it like a luscious
Merlot. If its name is Marilyn, so much the better.....Some gentlemen prefer
blondes, but I'll take the velvety Napa fruit and suave finish of this luscious
red any day.' - (Anthony Dias Blue, wine and spirits editor for Bon Appetit).
The 1996 Marilyn Merlot is blended . . .
Marilyn Merlot, 1997 Merlot, Napa Valley
-- $200.00
--
Untitled Document
Wine enthusiasts with a sense of humor have enjoyed the playful spirit behind the Marilyn Merlot concept for 12 vintages, and wine connoisseurs and Marilyn Monroe fans across the globe have established Marilyn Merlot as a highly sought after wine. Each vintage, graced by a different image of Marilyn, is distributed in most of the US and exported in limited quantities . . .
Marilyn Merlot, 1998 Merlot, Napa Valley
-- $200.00
--
Untitled Document
This is the 14th vintage. It is a supple blend of 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc grapes from the Napa Valley viticultural areas of Oakville, Rutherford and Yountville. Cinnamon and vanilla aromas from the oak compliment the milk chocolate and black cherry flavors of the fruit.'Another stunning label of Marilyn Merlot and the wine is just as appealing: a customer favorite . . .
Marilyn Merlot, 1999 Merlot, Napa Valley
-- $225.00
--
Untitled Document
This Napa Valley Merlot is not just a pretty face.....This striking portrait was created during Marilyn's first sitting with Milton Greene at the 20th Century Fox portrait studio in Hollywood in 1953. Too risque to be published at the time, it's an elegant match for the 15th vintage of Marilyn Merlot.John McKay's winemaker notes seem to reflect the playful eroticism . . .
Marilyn Merlot, 2001 Merlot, Napa Valley
-- $125.00
--
Untitled Document
The 2001 Marilyn Merlot grapes were harvested by our longtime growers from vineyards in the heart of the Napa Valley.
The 2001 vintage Marilyn Merlot is a blend of 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. The small addition of Cabernet gives the wine a more complex vinous aroma and a richer texture on the palate. The addition of 25% new oak barrels delivers the fragrance . . .
Marilyn Merlot, 2002 Merlot, Napa Valley
-- $150.00
-- 2002 Napa Valley Merlot -- 18th Vintage
The 2002 Marilyn Merlot grapes were harvested by our longtime growers from vineyards in the heart of the Napa Valley.
"The 2002 vintage Marilyn Merlot is a blend of 91% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon. A significant addition of Cabernet adds greater complexity to the aromas and flavors of the predominately Merlot based wine. Our annual addition . . .
Marilyn Merlot, 2003 1.5L Merlot, Napa Valley
-- $250.00
-- 2003 Napa Valley Merlot -- 19th Vintage
The 2003 vintage Marilyn Merlot grapes were harvested by our longtime growers from vineyards in the heart of the Napa Valley.
"The 2003 vintage Marilyn Merlot is a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. A substantial addition of Cabernet adds greater complexity to the nose and more structure to the mouth. This wine was . . .
Marilyn Merlot, 2003 Merlot, Napa Valley
-- $60.00
-- 2003 Napa Valley Merlot -- 19th Vintage
The 2003 vintage Marilyn Merlot grapes were harvested by our longtime growers from vineyards in the heart of the Napa Valley.
"The 2003 vintage Marilyn Merlot is a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. A substantial addition of Cabernet adds greater complexity to the nose and more structure to the mouth. This wine was . . .
Marilyn Merlot, 2004 Merlot, 20th Vintage
-- $55.00
-- On June 1st of 2006, Marilyn Wines celebrates two decades of winemaking history with the release of the twentieth vintage of Marilyn Merlot. Beginning in 1985 as a playful idea, bringing together the iconic image of Marilyn Monroe and some of Napa Valley's finest Merlot wine, Marilyn Merlot has itself become a legend and is perhaps the most sought-after of all collectible wines.
Sam Shaw took . . .
Marilyn Merlot, 2005 Merlot, 21st Vintage
-- $50.00
-- Wine Collectors and connoisseurs alike have much to celebrate with the release of the 21st vintage of Marilyn Merlot. As always, the wine is released on Marilyn's birth date - June 1st - and the 2005 vintage will prove to be memorable, not only because it marks a "coming of age" for the Napa Valley icon, but also because it exemplifies the outstanding qualities of the 2005 vintage.
For more than . . .
Marilyn Merlot, 2006 Merlot, 22nd Vintage
-- $35.00
-- While collectors have made Marilyn Merlot one of the fastest-appreciating wines on the market, it is wine enthusiasts with a sense of humor who have long enjoyed the playful spirit behind Marilyn Merlot wines that are now also seeking the Marilyn Merlot because of the emphasis on making a notable wine from prized Napa Valley grapes. While the concept and engaging label of these wines has given these . . .
Marilyn Merlot, 2007 Merlot, 23nd Vintage
-- $27.00
-- Diamonds may still be a girl's best friend, but in challenging times an outstanding Napa Valley Merlot that appreciates in value year after year offers a safe and savory haven for wine collectors and connoisseurs alike.
With the release of the Marilyn Merlot 2007 on June 1st (Marilyn's birthday) a Napa Valley icon continues to offer its fans not just glamour but great value, too.
"Marilyn . . .
Marilyn Velvet Collection 2004 3 Bottle Set (Playboy Edition)
-- $1,000.00
-- A chance meeting in Hollywood between photographer Tom Kelley and an aspiring but unknown actress led to a two-hour photo session on May 27 1949 that made history and established Marilyn Monroe as the ultimate sex symbol of the 20th century.
The ten stunningly beautiful photographs from the historic session became knows as the "Red Velvet" series, each one a portrait of Marilyn Monroe posing . . .
Marilyn Velvet Collection 2007
-- $69.00
-- A chance meeting between an aspiring actress and Hollywood photographer Tom Kelley, Sr. in 1949 led to a two-hour photo session resulting in the scintillating “Red Velvet” series of nude photo-portraits of Marilyn Monroe. Among those photos was a double exposure which has now been separated into two distinctive images, one of which – “Pose 8” – graces the label of this outstanding Napa Valley wine. . . .
Marilyn Velvet Collection 2007 Magnum
-- $200.00
-- A chance meeting between an aspiring actress and Hollywood photographer Tom Kelley, Sr. in 1949 led to a two-hour photo session resulting in the scintillating “Red Velvet” series of nude photo-portraits of Marilyn Monroe. Among those photos was a double exposure which has now been separated into two distinctive images, one of which – “Pose 8” – graces the label of this outstanding Napa Valley wine. . . .
Norma Jeane 2002 Merlot
-- $175.00
--
Untitled Document
The 2002 Norma Jeane, was made at our Oakville, Napa Valley winery from grapes grown by Louie Tallerico in his French Camp vineyard. (80% Merlot and 20% Syrah). Each of our four previous vintages was produced entirely from this vineyard and the 2002 Norma Jeane promises to be as fresh and delightful. After only four vintages, Norma Jeane is becoming . . .
Norma Jeane 2003 Merlot
-- $155.00
--
Untitled Document
The 2003 Norma Jeane is as fresh and delightful as our earlier vintages -- clean, bright and brimming with aromas and flavors of big cherries and tropical fruit. Each of our five previous vintages was produced entirely from this vintage and the 2003 Norma Jeane promises to be just as great. After only five vintages, Norma Jeane is becoming highly collectible. . . .
Norma Jeane 2004 Merlot
-- $50.00
--
Untitled Document
The 2004 Norma Jeane is as delightful as our earlier vintages - clean, bright and brimming with aromas and flavors of tropical fruit and bing cherries. The 1998 vintage is already selling for over $150 per bottle.
We are now offering a decorated wooden box to store your five bottle collection.
Norma Jeane 2005 Merlot
-- $30.00
--
Untitled Document
Before Marilyn, before Hollywood, there was Norma Jeane. Everyone who worked with her knew she was destined to become a star.....
The 2005 Norma Jeane is as fresh and delightful as our earlier vintages - clean, bright and brimming with aromas and flavors of bing cherries and tropical fruit.
We . . .
Norma Jeane 2006 Merlot
-- $18.00
-- The 2006 Norma Jeane is as fresh and delightful as our earlier vintages -- clean, bright and brimming with aromas and flavors of bing cherries and tropical fruit.
Vineyard: Tallerico Vineyard, French Camp, California
Produced & Bottled at: Oakville, Napa Valley
Approximate Blend: 80% Merlot, 20% Syrah