A very stylish expression of classic Oakville Merlot. The flavor profile continues to be of rich, berry fruit layered with dried herbs of bay leaf and sage that combine with notes of earth, cigar and spice. The contribution from the oak of sweet vanillin, cedar and smoke integrate with the fruit, rounding out the middle palate. The firm, yet supple, tannins add length on the finish, which is elegant and characteristic of this wine.

91 points (Connoisseurs' Guide, July 2007) “Simply loaded with ripe cherry and milk chocolate attractions and smoked tea leaf nuances in its fairly deep aromas, the wine is full and lush on the palate and exhibits the polish and generosity that belong to California Merlot at its best. A layer of fine-grained tannins provides a fair bit of latter-palate grip, but as with all else in this lovely wine, it is a well-integrated part of an attractive parcel.”

AppellationAmerica.com (April 11, 2007), Alan Goldfarb: “… very young with beautiful red fruit…it is going to be a beauty…already is displaying a stylishness with great balance...”

This wine was recently featured in our wine of the month club.