Recent Ferrari-Carano Merlots have not exhibited the herbal, vegetal character that plagued this winery's first Merlot releases. The 1992 Merlot (80% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Cabernet Franc) (only 96%) exhibits loads of chocolatey, black-cherries, a sweet, expansive, vibrant mid-palate, full body, excellent ripeness, and a velvety texture. It should drink well for 5-6 years. One of the bright shining success stories of California, Ferrari-Carano has a brilliant future. Tel. (707) 433-6700