The 2001 Merlot is fully mature, loosely constructed and evolved with considerable lightening at the edge. Notes of herbs, coffee beans and berry fruit can be found in this medium-bodied effort. It is best drunk up. The major issues I have with all four of these wines is their overwhelming oakiness and borderline over-extraction. “Over-extraction” is one of the buzz words on wine blogs, but rarely does one actually see it. Many seem to ignorantly or intentionally confuse it with extremely concentrated wines. There is no charm to over-extracted wines, as they are pinched and narrow, with excessive as well as astringent, bitter tannins.Tel. (707) 921-2809