Perhaps the finest Merlot Matanzas Creek has produced since the 1990s, the 2010 Merlot displays an opaque ruby/purple color along with notes of mocha, white chocolate, black currant and black cherry fruit, and spicy oak in the background. This full-bodied, opulent, seductive Merlot possesses adequate acidity and velvety tannins. Consume it over the next decade. Matanzas Creek enjoyed great success in the early and mid-nineties, but then appeared to rest on their laurels, and was ultimately sold to the late Jess Jackson and his small boutique portfolio. It has taken the Jackson family a number of years to get this estate back on track, but I think that it can be safely said that with the currant and upcoming releases, Matanzas Creek has been resurrected impressively. The winery now produces four Sauvignon Blancs. The flagship wines of Matanzas Creek are bottled under a separate label called Journey. The wines are obviously made by the same winemaker, Marcia Monahan. Tel. (707) 528-6464