About the Wine: This year's 90+ Merlot is sourced from Mendocino, California a region I've never much cared for, but that has produced some gems of late. Hopefully this will be one of them.
About THIS Wine: In the glass it is a dark but not quite opaque purple. The legs are thick and run almost like a port. When I first smelled it, I thought, "Smells like Merlot." It has the dark, smoky quality on the nose that I always associate with the varietal. Even after a little time to breath, the palate is very tight. This is awfully young for a Merlot and I imagine it would have benefited from a little more age before release. Tannins are present but not bracing in the finish.
Drinking This Wine: Let it decant for a long time, at least an hour if not more. This is the kind of bottle that will be better the second night. Drink it with red meat.
Overall Impression: I am a little disappointed but that is mostly because I've had such good luck with the brand. At $11 per bottle this wine is reasonable for the price.
