This is ripe, with sweet plum and raspberry fruit pushed by a toasty vanilla note. The finish shows a slightly raisined edge. Drink now. 2,500 cases imported.??–JM??Region: Argentina / Mendoza Select to Add

Big and purple, with sweet aromas. But the palate is very uneven, with acute acidity that scours and turns the plum and grape flavors sour. Grabby mouthfeel as well, with clamp.——M.S.(11/1/2008)—— 80

Forward, with plum, raisin and toast notes. Drink now. 9,000 cases made.??–JM??Region: Argentina / Mendoza Select to Add

Delicate scents of sweet red fruits are found in the nose of the 2004 Merlot, a fine value. Suave, friendly, and flavorful, this light to medium-bodied, satin-textured wine offers flavors of ripe red and black berries in an uncomplicated, easy to appreciate style. Drink it over the next 1-2 years. Note: Consumers will have a hard time deciphering the vintage on Santa Julia’s labels as they, like all too many South American wineries after the terrible 1998 vintage, have elected to obscure that information.Importer: Winesellers, Ltd., Skokie, IL; tel. (847) 679-0121

The bouquet offers briar, tomato and spice, but not much fruit. The palate deals a lean hand of rhubarb and cherry, while the finish is fair to middling, but does deliver length. Firm tannins and healthy acids keep it in balance. —M.S. ——M.S.(5/1/2003)—— 85