This luscious Merlot jumps out with a big, bold nose and mouth-filling flavors of ripe cherry fruit. Forward, luscious and chocolatey, it’s a wide-open style of Merlot with lots of instant appeal. There isn’t a great deal of depth to the finish, but it’s well-built and can certainly be cellared for the next 5-6 years. ——P.G.(6/1/2001)—— 89