I could not muster much enthusiasm for Silverado's 1995 Merlot. This is the kind of acidified, tart, lean Merlot that makes me wonder about the winemaker's objectives. It has no plumpness, flesh, or plushness, but rather, low PH, high acidity, and a style that gives the wine a lean, angular, sharp feel on the palate.(Tasted in barrel.)Tel. (707) 257-1538

Clean and well balanced, with a pleasant, concentrated core of currant, plum and berry, picking up oak and herb notes on the finish, where it turns tannic and chewy. Best from 1999 through 2004. 11,900 cases made. -JL