Matanzas Creek is a laudable winery in every respect. While everything that emerges is of the highest quality level, Matanzas Creek has established itself as a reference point winery for Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Merlot. Both the 1991 and 1990 Merlots should turn out to be knock-out wines. Moreover, both wines should offer up to a decade's worth of hedonistic drinking. The 1990, which is essentially identical to the 1991, although more evolved, shares the same luscious palate, and wonderfully rich, toffee, coffee, berry fruit flavors married brilliantly with sweet, toasty new oak. The finish is explosively rich. These top class Merlots remain the benchmark for this varietal in California.