To me, this Merlot is kind of "brooding" In comparison to the 2007, it is a little more laid back with the intense fruit forward, more subtle and subdued. It probably has more structure. I especially like the underlying, almost like ground cocoa, refined tannins that hold everything together. There is lots of blueberry on the nose and palate. The extra bottle age has really integrated the oak and the alcohol. There is nice feeling of concentration and intensity, but still so rounded and elegant. Nice dark color. Just a hint of that earthy mustiness. There seems to be a touch of menthol. The finish has that near chocolate like taste that appears in Napa Merlot, I think from medium heavy toast oak. For the price, this is really a cut above the crowd.
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Nose: Blackberry Jam and Light Black Pepper Taste: Blackberries and a little sweet up front, a smooth and short finish with some tannins. Overall a nice mouth feel and tasty.
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10/1/2013 - redbrix wrote: 76 Points
Dark ruby color with medium clarity. Iron and cassis nose with flavors of blackberry. Somewhat bitter and tart.
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1/7/2012 - bbcc66 Likes this wine: 88 Points
Nice tastes of dark berrys. Smooth.
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10/22/2011 - Mike Kopanski wrote: 89 Points
To me, this Merlot is kind of "brooding" In comparison to the 2007, it is a little more laid back with the intense fruit forward, more subtle and subdued. It probably has more structure. I especially like the underlying, almost like ground cocoa, refined tannins that hold everything together. There is lots of blueberry on the nose and palate. The extra bottle age has really integrated the oak and the alcohol. There is nice feeling of concentration and intensity, but still so rounded and elegant. Nice dark color. Just a hint of that earthy mustiness. There seems to be a touch of menthol. The finish has that near chocolate like taste that appears in Napa Merlot, I think from medium heavy toast oak. For the price, this is really a cut above the crowd.
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4/16/2011 - Paul77006 wrote:
Very good.
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11/17/2010 - sully13 wrote: 89 Points
Nose: Blackberry Jam and Light Black Pepper
Taste: Blackberries and a little sweet up front, a smooth and short finish with some tannins.
Overall a nice mouth feel and tasty.
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6/14/2010 - tourette wrote: 80 Points
Fruit forward style. Very simple and rather boring.
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4/2/2010 - whynblog wrote: 87 Points
Always a good effort. Blueberry and plumb stew. easy drinking style.
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2/27/2010 - jrparker wrote: 75 Points
Not terrible. Quite tight on open. Better after aerating and leaving in glass for a half hour or so.
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