A Bordeaux blend based on Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a beautifully structured, opulent red wine, rich in blackberry, cherry, rum, chocolate and coffee flavors. It shows the firm tannins and clean acids of a young wine, and while it will be beautiful with a grilled steak now, it has the stuffing to last for 10 years.
— S.H.
(4/1/2007)
Lush and delicious, if a little soft, with palate-flattering flavors of black currants, milk chocolate and cedar, and sweet herbs like dill and sage. Very smooth and seductive. Doesn’t seem to have the structure for aging, but an elegant wine for now.
— S.H.
(12/1/2009)
A fine Merlot. Dry, soft and smooth, it has easy flavors of cherries, red currants, mocha, buttered cinnamon toast and vanilla, wrapped into well-ground tannins. Likeable now for its charm.
— S.H.
(12/1/2009)
Yes, it’s seductive in the softness and velvety texture that carry tasty flavors of blackberries, black currants, mocha, anise and cedar. Shows ultra-refined tannins, but would benefit from a firmer structure.
— S.H.
(12/1/2009)
Bright and juicy in the mouth, a big, fruity wine that erupts with black cherry, chocolate, orange marmalade, cinnamon, pepper spice and toasted oak flavors. It’s a little obvious, but dry and classy. From the cooler Oak Knoll District.
— S.H.
(3/1/2007)
This Merlot may do something with age, but right now it’s kind of hard. The tannins lock it down in astringent dryness. Still, there’s that juicy, succulent core of blackberries and cherries. Try stashing it in the cellar for three years or so and try again.
— S.H.
(12/1/2008)
Sturdy and firm in tannins, dry and fairly oaky, with plummy, herb flavors, this wine is pretty closed down now, although a good piece of meat will wake it up. Might soften and improve in a year or so.
— S.H.
(5/1/2005)
Actually from the cooler Oak Knoll area, this is crisp and earthy. It has rich peach, pear and pineapple fruit, with hints of thyme and rosemary, and a pronounced coating of oak.
— S.H.
(4/1/2007)