2002 Raphael Merlot First Label

New York Cork Report

• By Lenn Thompson
  1/1/2009, (See more on New York Cork Report...) 3.5 out of 5 stars

  (Raphael Merlot First Label) Merlot blended with 3% malbec. The wine itself is a dark, almost inky purple and extremely aromatic with blackberry and blueberry fruit aromas accented by leather and minty notes. Similar character carries over to the full, well-structured palate that has a lengthy, minerally-graphite finish. The tannins are ripe, but plenty apparent, bringing grip and pointing to terrific aging potential. For $30, you'll be hard pressed to find a better local merlot.

• By Lenn Thompson
  1/1/2009, (See more on New York Cork Report...) 3.5 out of 5 stars

  (Raphael Merlot First Label) Dark, almost inky purple and extremely aromatic with blackberry and blueberry fruit aromas accented by leather and minty notes. Similar character carries over to the full, well-structured palate that has a lengthy, minerally-graphite finish. The tannins are ripe, but plenty apparent, bringing grip and pointing to terrific aging potential. For $30, you'll be hard pressed to find a better local merlot.