Even in the best of vintages it’s hard to get Merlot to ripen in Santa Barbara unless it’s grown well inland. This one does its best, with modest aromas of black-cherry fruit accentuated by oak, but there’s a green weediness throughout that age will not soften. That said, it’s dry and well made, and complex enough to be a nice by-the-glass wine if the price is kept down. 1,450 cases produced. ——S.H.(5/1/2001)—— 85