The straightforward 2008 Merlot exhibits notes of cocoa, coffee beans, herbs and black cherries in a medium-bodied style. Freemark Abbey continues to be a work in progress as proprietor Jess Jackson moves aggressively to get this estate back to its glory days of the late sixties and early to mid-seventies. Tel. (800) 963-9698; Fax (707) 963-7633

A very successful vintage for Freemark Abbey’s wines overall, and this young, intensely concentrated Merlot is a star of the year. Quite tannic now, with delineated blackberry, cherry, cassis, cola and spice flavors, its best years are ahead. Cellar this impressive wine for 4–6 years. ——S.H.(5/1/2011)—— 94