Deep garnet in color, the 2009 Whalebone Vineyard Merlot Cabernet Franc has a meaty, gamey nose built around a core of maturing prune, espresso and incense aromas. Medium to full-bodied with plenty of flesh in the mid-palate framed by firm, somewhat harsh tannins, it finishes with a good length of savory, earthy flavors, if a little hard. Drink it now to 2017+. Imported by Palm Bay Imports, Port Washington, NY; tel. 800-872-5622