Impressively plummy and chocolatey, the Merlot in this reads strongly, though it’s actually 2 percent less than in the 1991. The wine is full and still firm, with copious aromas and flavors of cedar and menthol, raisins and cocoa. Closes fairly long with dark tart-sweet fruit and nice, still slightly tight tannins. This will keep. Drink now through 2008; best after 2004.——W.E.(4/1/2002)—— 91