Quite a good Merlot that’s made in the Kenwood style, which is drily elegant rather than opulent. Shows class and finesse in the tobacco-edged flavors of cherries and blackberries, subtlely tinged with oak. Ready now.——S.H.(4/1/2010)—— 90

A disappointment, given the low case production. Tastes simple and sharp, with black cherry jam and green mint jelly flavors that have an unripe edge. ——S.H.(2/1/2009)—— 83

Tasted in October, this still-young Merlot is tannic and jammy. It shows fresh primary fruit flavors of raspberries, cherries and blackberries that are a bit one-dimensional. Give it until mid-2008 to develop some bottle complexity.——S.H.(2/1/2008)—— 86

Easily merits its reserve status due to the upscale, velvety texture, rich, oaky fruit flavors and overall balance that, combined, offer impressive pleasure.——S.H.(9/1/2006)—— 90