The nose on this medium-bodied Merlot is lush with pleasantly charred oak, forest floor and ripe black plums. There’s a decent amount of black fruit on the palate as well, but it’s lacking in concentration, and exhibits a distinct vegetal note in the backdrop.——A.I.(12/15/2010)—— 85

Bold and brawny, the Palmer Merlot offers up convincing scents of mulberries and vanilla backed up by a palate that’s both juicy and gripping. Cherry, fall leaves and plum pudding flavors characterize the medium finish. Drink now or hold a few years for finer tannins.——W.E.(5/1/2010)—— 87

A smoked oak treatment in the barrels lends a unique nose to this plum and berry-forward wine. On the palate, the taste of that oak wanders into the realm of roasted, though the ripeness of the fruit helps to balance. Not much dimension. Pair with pork or red meat.——S.K.(2/1/2007)—— 82

This winery has produced better wines, as this one is tart in acidity and light- to medium-bodied. Flavors are in the unripe spectrum, going from green bean to candied berry to rhubarb. Oak adds a welcome spice, but a pickled finish leaves a last impression. ——M.D.(12/1/2006)—— 81

Looks prematurely mature, already browning at the rim. Smells it, too. Slightly acrid tobacco and dried parsley aromas turn into cedary cigar-box flavors in the mouth, and the finish seems to be thinning out. Lean and over-mature, but still has a sense of elegance. ——J.C.(1/1/2004)—— 83