The 2006 Merlot Jackson Park reveals slightly more concentration, depth, and structure. It should be even better with several more years of bottle age, and last for 10-12 years. Matanzas Creek Winery remains a work in progress as proprietor Jess Jackson moves aggressively to get this estate back to its glory days of the early 1990s.Available through Vin Lux Fine Wines, tel.(866) 462-4641; Fax (866) 853-1707; www.vinluxfinewines.com

Tasted in January, this Merlot was still quite unresolved. Oak dominated, with its characteristic vanilla and caramel notes, while underneath was a substantial core of cherries, blackberries, currants, cocoa and roasted almonds, reminiscent of a granola bar. It’s a distinguished Merlot, but one that wants a few years in the cellar.——S.H.(5/1/2010)—— 91