Bone dry, tannic, herbal and earthy at first, it benefits from airing, revealing appealing flavors of strawberry, plum and cherry with light licorice, black olive and herbes de Provence. The innovative blend includes a splash of Malbec. ——P.G.(10/1/2006)—— 87

Covey’s baseline Merlot is more authoritative than you would expect at this price. Tannic and chewy, it carries some real weight on the palate and delivers strong, herbal flavors that taste like wine, not watered-down punch.——P.G.(6/1/2005)—— 87