Big, chewy and intense, this dense merlot, blended with small amounts of cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc (as if it needed more tannin) masks its fruit in layers of hard tannin, salty mineral and scents of sweaty saddle. Hard, tough and definitely in need of decanting or some serious cellar time.——P.G.(7/1/2004)—— 89

Fruit from the Klipsun vineyard is among the most sought after in the state, and here’s why: Laced with mineral, iron and coffee accents, this hard, tight, dry and substantial Merlot is built like a rock, for aging. Cellar Selection. ——P.G.(6/1/2002)—— 91