Merlot gives this wine a broad and flavorful midpalate of mixed berry and currant and cherry fruit; it’s got plenty of acid below and tannin behind, and it lays out beautifully across the palate. The finishing tannins are lightly earthy, lightly chocolaty, and suggest pencil shavings and a splash of anise as well. Excellent value.——P.G.(8/1/2008)—— 89