Community Tasting Note

chablis28 wrote:

Saturday, September 17, 2016 - Opened and left cork out for 2-1/2 hours prior to dinner. Also did a couple pours into 2 BDX glasses about 45 minutes before diner. Chilled down to high 50s / low 60s for drinking. AlC 13.5% Dark almost opaque ruby color. First pour & sip showed too much vanilla oak but either it blew off or I adapted :). This is all American oak and 60% new which I'd prefer dialed back. Guessing the winemaker believes fruit is first class and can handle it. This might be built for more aging too. Would be fun to try 10 years plus out. In hindsight I wish I had thrown it in a decanter upon opening just to help integrate the oak faster and more completely. All that said, this is exceptionally good merlot with plenty of depth and typacity. The nose shows smoky dark fruit, vanilla and some creosote. Terrific density and power. Palate is loaded with dark fruit, dark chocolate, creosote and spice. Could perhaps stand a slight bit more lift but the structure is pretty good. Might grab one or 2 more if I can get them for $44 again. Think this Santa Cruz merlot is likely made from old vines.

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