772 | Wine | Merlot | Page 18

"This wine displays all of the benefits of slow, even ripening during a mild growing season. Though there is fullness and a lush character to this Merlot, there is also restraint and elegance. Promising aromas of cherry, red plum, raspberry, and dried herbs lead to a clean fresh entry with impeccably balanced acidity supporting intense red fruit flavors of cranberry, plum and raspberry. Round, supple tannins provide an enticing framework for the flavors and contribute to a lingering finish."

"Its dense plum/purple color is accompanied by an extraordinary perfume of charcoal, creme de cassis, melted licorice, espresso roast, and blackberries. The wine, which hits the palate with a dramatic minerality, comes across like a hypothetical blend of limestone liqueur intermixed with black and red fruits. With massive depth, richness, and body, this tannic 2003 should be forgotten for 4-5 years, then enjoyed over the next four decades. The integration of acidity, tannin, and wood is flawless, and the wine is incredibly pure, rich, and intense." Reviewed by Robert Parker, 98+ pts.

"Aromas of violets and blueberries arefollowed by a fleshy palate of blackberry and chocolate, woven with licorice and black tea. Elegant tannins add weight and a polished texture and lead to a bright, lush finish. Delicious upon release, this Merlot will benefit from five years ofcellaring from vintage and continueto age gracefully for at least ten years."

"Red and black berry fruit characteristics with lifted herbal and floral notes, all supported by subtle cedary oak".

"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."

"Rich and complex, with a focused, full-bodied core of earth, currant, mineral, tar, cherry and spice, firming up on the finish. Wonderful depth and dimension that cellaring should reward."

"Ripe, generous, transparent and distinctive, balancing its rich cherry, orange peel, tea and sassafras flavors against refined tannins and an open texture, completing the circle with elegance."