The 2006 Merlot Proprietor’s Reserve is 100% varietal sourced from three vineyards and was aged for 20 months in 40% new French oak. Dark ruby-colored, it displays an attractive nose of cinnamon, rose petal, tobacco, black cherry, and cassis that jumps from the glass. Smooth-textured, ripe, bordering on opulent, this savory Merlot has some well-concealed tannin for balance. This lengthy effort can be enjoyed over the next 6-8 years. Based on this superb and well-priced portfolio of wines, Maryhill Winery merits serious attention.Tel. (877) 627-9445; www.maryhillwinery.com

This is a pleasantly fruity wine, with tangy cherry fruit limned with some herbal, earthy tannins. Hints of tobacco and vanilla are there, but the wine quickly shows rather harsh, chalky acids that descend into a bitter, herbal finish.——P.G.(12/31/2008)—— 85

The reserve Merlot lacks the smooth, buttery softness of the regular bottling, substituting stiffer tannins, deeper color and a definite herbal component. Perhaps the thinking is that this will age longer, but for sheer pleasure it does not measure up to its less expensive sibling.——P.G.(8/1/2007)—— 85