An easy-to-drink Merlot, soft and fruity, with blackberry and cherry flavors that taste like they were baked into a pie. Finishes nice and clean, with a bite of tannin. ——S.H.(2/1/2012)—— 85

The 1996 Merlot Coastal is a soft, fruity, attractive wine meant to be consumed over the next 2-3 years. On a purely hedonistic scale, this offering would merit several additional points, but it will not keep, or improve in the bottle. The Merlot exhibits a medium ruby color, good cherry and spice, a soft velvety texture, and an easy-going finish. Tel. (707) 963-2411