Raw and minty, with a scoury texture framing cherry and wintergreen flavors that finish dry and tart. Drink now. ——S.H.(12/1/2009)—— 82

Starts off a little musty, so decant for a while, and this coastal mountain Merlot will open up to reveal mint-accented blackberry, blueberry, cocoa and clove flavors. It’s rich and polished, but a little on the soft side. Drink now.——S.H.(12/31/2007)—— 86

You can taste the sun-warmed grapes that got so ripe and fruity in this fine vintage. Blackberries, cherries, chocolate, dark plums and violets flood the palate, with rich toasty oak overtones. There are bigtime tannins, too, dusty and fairly astringent, making for a puckery feeling. A dry, balanced Merlot to cellar for a couple years. ——S.H.(3/1/2007)—— 87

There are many admirable qualities to this wine. Its mountain origins lend it a tight, taut structure, rich in tannins and acids, yet the berry, cherry fruit is accessible and ripe. And what a deliciously long, sweet finish it has.——S.H.(12/15/2004)—— 90

Has good acidity and lovely tannins, which are soft and plush in the mouth, with good acidity. Feels great, but loses a few points because of green, unripe flavors that ride side by side with riper blackberry ones. That sharpness really kicks in on the finish. —S.H. ——S.H.(4/1/2003)—— 84