Lots of rich flavor in this smooth Merlot. It’s filled with sweet raspberries, cherries, cola and cocoa, and finishes spicy in cinnamon and anise. Drink now.——S.H.(12/15/2011)—— 87

Compared to Napa and Sonoma bottlings this wine is hard and lean in fruit. The tannins stick out, and the flavors are of earthy herbs, with a hint of cherry. Bordeaux varieties can be tough to ripen in this appellation.——S.H.(12/15/2004)—— 84

Even in the best of vintages it’s hard to get Merlot to ripen in Santa Barbara unless it’s grown well inland. This one does its best, with modest aromas of black-cherry fruit accentuated by oak, but there’s a green weediness throughout that age will not soften. That said, it’s dry and well made, and complex enough to be a nice by-the-glass wine if the price is kept down. 1,450 cases produced. ——S.H.(5/1/2001)—— 85