1 | Wine | Merlot, 2008

"The 2008 Columbia Valley Merlot offers up aromas of balsam wood, spice box, tobacco, violets, cassis, and blackberry. Savory on the palate, if slightly austere, another 1-2 years of bottle should fill the wine out."

"This classic Merlot opens with vibrant aromas of cherry, red plum, pomegranate, cardamom and forest floor. The aromas carry over onto the palate and meld with additional notes of milk chocolate, vanilla and dark spice. The tannins are supple yet have good grip, suggesting that this Merlot be served with hearty dishes such as rack of lamb, herbstuffed turkey or roasted duck in a cherry sauce."

"Sweet aromas of chocolatey black cherry and black currant fruit intertwined with a notion of wood smoke. Fashioned from a blend of 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc, it is a round, opulent, pure, elegant effort created by Michel Rolland’s top assistant, Jean-Philippe Fort, and proprietor Jean-Philippe Janoueix. Drink it over the next decade or more." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"Smoky espresso roast notes intermixed with notions of cocoa, chocolate and berry fruit. A good Merlot by Napa standards, this fleshy, succulent wine should drink nicely for 7-8 years." -Robert Parker

"Blackberry and licorice aromas perked up by violet and spices. Juicy and moderately deep, with dark fruit flavors complicated by tobacco and cedar. Not a fat style for this bottling but boasts a solid acid/tannin spine and very good balance--not to mention fruit intensity." Reviewed by Stephen Tanzer.

"The 2008 Masseto comes across as relatively reserved and along the lines of vintages like 1988 that age beautifully but aren’t the blockbuster type wines usually associated with Maremma. Freshly cut flowers, crushed rocks, spices and black cherries are some of the aromas and flavors that emerge from the 2008. This is an exceptionally beautiful Masseto that impresses for its elegance. The wine fleshes out nicely in the glass, while retaining its refined personality."

"This Merlot is smooth and elegant with classic flavors and aromas of cherry, chocolate and plum. Its silky structure is balanced by soft tannins and a bold, lengthy finish."

"Still young and unformed, it exhibits phenomenal richness and equilibrium as well as a finish that lasts nearly a minute. Its dense plum/purple color is accompanied by notions of black fruits, forest floor, truffles and spring flowers."

"It reveals a nose of cedar, Asian spices, incense, cassis, and black currant. Structured and savory on the palate with spicy black fruit flavors, it has the balance to evolve gracefully for 2-3 years and will offer prime drinking from 2013 to 2023."