1 | Wine | Merlot, 86 or higher

"Firm in texture, displaying a hard edge to the smoky berry, green olive and hay aromas and flavors, which linger against well-modulated tannins."

"It offers up an aromatic array of cinnamon, clove, incense, tobacco, black currant, and blackberry. In the glass it reveals layered fruit, spicy flavors, good volume, and excellent balance. This surprisingly rich Merlot can be approached now and will provide pleasure for another 4-5 years. It is an excellent value."

This wine was named #11 of Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2012.

"This red is round, generous and expressive, offering plum, loganberry, cherry and clove flavors that pick up hints of loam and floral character as the finish tightens its focus. Impressive for its length and deft balance."

"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."

"Medium purple color; earth notes, dark fruit aromas; savory fruit, ripe, drink now – 5 years."

"A delicious entry-level wine, the 2010 Merlot is rich, boisterous and loaded with fruit. Freshly cut flowers, sweet red berries, mint and spices all make an appearance in this flashy, exuberant red. The vibrancy of the vintage works to balance some of the wine’s natural overtness. Clean, saline notes add an attractive briskness to the finish. This is a gorgeous wine that makes a compelling case for Merlot-based wines in Napa Valley."

"The 2010 Merlot possesses lovely inner perfume and expressive dark fruit. The wine retains its freshness and vibrancy through to the finish, where fragrant white flowers add lift."

"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.

"In the 2010 vintage a Merlot was added to the portfolio. The 2010 Collecion Merlot offers up a fragrant perfume of oak, red fruits, and a touch of herbs and balsamic. With excellent richness and length, it offers outstanding value in a wine that is meant for drinking over the next 5-7 years."