1 | Wine | Merlot, 86 or higher, 2010

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

"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."

"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."

"Dark berries, freshly cut flowers and sweet spices are some of the notes that flow from the 2010 Merlot. Layers of bright, well-articulated fruit caress the palate on the finish of this extroverted, juicy Merlot."

"It has a luscious bouquet of dark plum, Valrohna chocolate and a dash of spice. The palate is full-bodied with rounded dark cherry and blackberry fruit. The acidity is in tune with the fruit lending the finish surprising grace and elegant."

"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."