May 23, 2012 - barely drinkable.
March 27, 2012 - I snatched this one from the bargain bin for $7 and was able to enjoy the first glass. I thought it was better than when first tasted 12-18 months ago.
October 20, 2011 - surprisingly drinkable; dark, rich color; very smooth; not earthy at all.
September 18, 2011 - Bitter tasting and acidic. Maybe a lot of time open would make it drinkable, maybe.
May 28, 2011 - Medium red color. The nose was earthy with plum notes. In the mouth, this light-bodied wine displayed plums, herbs, and occasional chocolate notes. The acidity was clean, but there wasn't much depth on the midpalate. The finish was average. Overall, this wine seemed pretty generic, but with hamburgers, it showed a little more depth. Drink with food.
March 27, 2011 - Not the richness I expect from Merlot.
March 19, 2011 - Unique for a merlot, didn't have the traditional curves and full body, but was very solid with a long finish.
February 1, 2011 - Yuck. Fake grape from nose to finish. I've never been a big fan of Charles smith wines, but this is just embarrassing.
January 25, 2011 - A pale comparison to the 2007, which was indeed a hedonistic pleasure. Vanilla on the nose and also the primary flavor, it is thin and peters out quickly. This doesn't make it bad per se, just disappointing - especially in comparison to its older sibling.
January 24, 2011 - Very good for a $12 wine. Easy to drink, but unremarkable.