This is beautiful and rich in blackberries, black currants and dark chocolate, with a warming note suggestive of creme de cassis. It shows terrific concentration and a classy structure that’s pedigreed and elegant. The tannins are big, so give it a good decant; drink now and for the next five years. — (9/1/2012) —93

Raspingly dry and fierce in tannins, this Merlot is quite different from other Bordeaux-style red wines from Oakville that are ripe and lush. Doesn’t offer much reward now due to the astringency, but has a solid core of blackberries. Hard to know if the fruit will outlast the tannins. ——S.H.(10/1/2010)—— 89

Far more tannic and closed down than most Oakville Bordeaux red wines, this Merlot’s dry tannins are its main feature. It’s tough, dry and astringent, with a core of black cherries, currants and smoky oak. But it shows promise. Try cellaring through 2012. ——S.H.(12/1/2009)—— 87