2018 Mercury Cabernet Sauvignon The Messenger Reserve

Community Tasting Notes (2) Avg Score: 94 points

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  11/25/2023 - sid_loves_wine Likes this wine: 94 Points

  Same as my last note. Expressive and delicious, very well balanced (powerful but never heavy), with copious red and black currants, vanilla bean, red and black licorice... pretty much all fruit and oak but so purely delicious. Melted tannins, good acidity and fresh fruit for the style. Effortless pairing with a dry aged strip.

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  5/10/2023 - sid_loves_wine Likes this wine: 94 Points

  A friend blinded this as really good, modern/polished Napa Merlot, and I can see why- has the richness and concentration of Napa, but with a somewhat redder fruit tone and "rounder edges" compared to some Cabernet. Loads of black cherry cola and black forest cake supported by buttery oak, caramel, and touches of faint earth, maybe black licorice and tobacco. Really expressive and ripe- not a wine about nuance, but it's really powerful while still feeling controlled and balanced. Tannins already melted and silky (maybe not one for seriously long aging...) Still my favorite in their lineup and even with the high price, likely the best QPR.

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