The 2006 Merlot Deyo was barrel-fermented and aged in new French oak for 12 months. Dark ruby-colored, the nose reveals spicy red fruits, cedar, spice box, and tobacco. Silky on the palate with good depth and savory, spicy flavors, it has enough structure to evolve for 1-2 year but can be enjoyed now and over the next 6-8 years. Importer: Winebow Inc., New York, NY; www.winebow.com

Starts with distinct, hard aromas of mustard, horseradish and jerky. In the mouth, it’s full, bullish and tannic, with flavors of bacon, wood resin, smoke and stewed blackberry. Very smoky and dark, with hard tannins, and just not as good as past vintages.——M.S.(12/15/2010)—— 85