The 1991 Merlot exhibits a medium dark ruby color, a flattering, oaky, smoky, cherry nose, rich, medium to full-bodied flavors with dusty tannin, and an overall supple personality. Although not yet in the league of Merlot superstars such as Newton and Matanzas Creek, Justin's Merlot is unquestionably head and shoulders above the ocean of vegetal, hollow, tart Merlots being produced in California and elsewhere. It should drink well for 7-8 years.

The 1989 Merlot is a terrific example of this varietal. Chocolatey, black-cherry, and mocha aromas and flavors dominate this full-bodied, opulent wine that makes for quite a mouthful of succulent fruit. Delicious, complex, and exceptionally well-balanced, it should be drunk over the next 7-8 years.

The 1988 Merlot, which can stand up to the best wines of that vintage, possesses a huge bouquet of chocolate and cassis-fruit that is followed by jammy, rich, opulent, even sumptuous flavors exhibiting low acidity, but plenty of intensity. This is a gorgeously decadent Merlot for drinking over the next 5-7 years.