The Merlot should convert all the doubters of this varietal in Napa Valley, as it is consistently one of the top two or three Merlots made in California. At ten years of age, the 2001 confirms what an extraordinary Merlot producer he is. It transcends the category and puts to shame most of the Merlots that emerge from the Golden State. A dense plum/purple color is accompanied by a beautifully sweet nose of melted chocolate, creme de cassis, cherry pie, earth and spice. It possesses a voluptuous texture, brilliant purity and equilibrium, and a chewy, succulent finish. This sexy, complex, full-bodied 2001 Merlot is just hitting full maturity where it should remain for another 10-15+ years. Bravo! Jayson Pahlmeyer’s wines made from Bordeaux varietals, and more recently his Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, have been sure things for nearly two decades. Tel. (707) 255-2321; Fax (707) 255-6786