The 2010 Merlot Reserva offers up notions of spice box, red fruits, and a hint of herbs. Ripe and easy-going on the palate, this tasty effort is a very good value meant for drinking over the next 3 years. Laura Hartwig’s new releases from the Colchagua region offer both value and quality.Importer: Steve Ward, Oasis Wines, Napa, CA; tel. (410) 340-0057

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Why do folks so love Merlot? Taste this wine and you will see; it’s luscious and overflowing with black cherry and plummy fruit. For sure, it’s a big-boned wine, but nevertheless it’s fully balanced. The finish is pleasant, moderately long and pretty much on the spot. Best Buy. ——M.S.(3/1/2002)—— 88