1 | Wine | Merlot, California, 86 or higher

"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."

"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."

"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.

This wine was named #96 of Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2012.

"Plush and richly structured, but with a dense, structured core, offering aromas of red currant and toasty mocha that lead to complex flavors of black cherry and Asian spice. Loamy, ripe tannins sneak in on the 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."

"Offers pretty notes of coffee, mocha, herbs, and chocolate intertwined with abundant berry fruit." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"The wine reveals distinctive black cherry and berry notes intermixed with chocolate, mocha, caramel, and scorched earth. The wine is full-bodied, fleshy, but has underlying acidity and a long, layered finish. This wine can be drunk now or cellared for another 15+ years." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"Black raspberry, red- and blackcurrants and dark chocolate on the nose, plus hints of mint and green tobacco. Juicy, fruit-driven flavors of dark berries and cocoa powder, complicated by a whiff of meat. Offers classic '97 texture and sweetness. Ripe acids carry the fruit. Finishes with firm but smooth tannins and a note of Cuban tobacco." Reviewed by Stephen Tanzer.

This wine was named #96 of Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2012.

"Plush and richly structured, but with a dense, structured core, offering aromas of red currant and toasty mocha that lead to complex flavors of black cherry and Asian spice. Loamy, ripe tannins sneak in on the finish."