There’s very little difference between this Merlot and La Joya’s so-called Gran Reserve. Both are entirely solid, ripe, a touch bretty and friendly as can be. This wine has more plumpness and less structure than its big brother, but it’s nice if you like soft, round, chewy berry fruit and not much tannic bite or acidic roughness.——M.S.(7/1/2008)—— 88