The realistically priced 2013 Merlot Home Ranch comes from a vineyard planted in 1996, and the wine was aged 18 months in 30% new French oak. Somewhat lean and austere, with new oak dominating, the wine reveals cherry fruit and a medium-bodied finish. For a Merlot, it is not nearly as expressive as I would have suspected. Drink it over the next 4-5 years.