Here is a sumptuous, earthy, tight and terrific example of Walla Walla Merlot. Still quite young and compact, but well structured and layered with mineral and earth; the tannins are hard and muscular, the flavors a powerful mix of black cherry, cassis and red currant. Give it six more months to integrate the luscious new oak. Editor’s Choice. ——P.G.(9/1/2002)—— 92

Flavorful, forward and tasting of a pleasing mix of light, toasty oak and pretty cherry fruit, this is a solid, immediately enjoyable wine. It doesn’t have the muscle to go long term, but it offers a lot of pure Merlot pleasure in the near term. —P.G.——P.G.(9/1/2002)—— 88