The 2013 Merlot Howell Mountain is a blend of 91% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, aged in 80% new French oak. The wine is dense and exhibits loads of mocha, lead-pencil shavings, black cherry and Asian plum spices as well as some sauce-like characteristics in a full-bodied, opulent, very fleshy and dense style. This is stick-to-your-ribs, mouth-coating Merlot to drink over the next 12-15 years.