August 20, 2023 - At eighteen years, I was dubious, but, alas, this exceeded our expectations and was quite good. The fill level, cork and foil were in ideal condition.
Dark almost blackish garnet colored, medium-full bodied, intense concentrated black fruits, notes of creosote, hints of smoke and earth, but after about thirty minutes the black fruits emerged and were quite approachable and pleasant. A perfect pairing with our hearty grilled beefsteak fajitas.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/08/marilyn-merlot-with-grilled-beefsteak.html
March 19, 2022 - A wonderful old and inconsequential California merlot has morphed into old California cabernet. 90% merlot and 10% cabernet sauvignon, showing as very troisième cru Bordeaux-like. Beautifully soft and melded, reminiscent of how our '79 to '83 Kenwood Artist Series are now drinking ('84-'87 Kenwood AS are still at a completely different level). Perfect with surprisingly lean and perfectly grilled lamb chops tonight. This is why we properly cellar wine and aspire to appreciate them in their twilight years, people!
February 6, 2021 - Undrinkable in spite of cellaring.
July 31, 2015 - went well with the burgers; lots of flavour left in this wine
November 4, 2012 - very nice napa merlot...i would drink up soon...
February 19, 2012 - Aromas of red currant and cherry are combined with a dominate leather, briar patch and tobacco notes. Hot brick, sage and cocoa powder notes are present in the secondary aromas.
The palate is laden with wood, but pleasantly so, dried cherry fruit combines with cigar tobacco, leather, spice, and sage to form the flavor profile. Firm tannins hold through the finish, chewy
November 25, 2010 - Thanksgiving: the least of the Thanksgiving wines- California bright, fruit forward, not much complexity.
April 30, 2010 - not undrinkable in a cheap perfumey sort of way