($109-$149) Full medium ruby. Exotic, slightly candied aromas of roasted raspberry, musky espresso, earth, smoke, coffee bean and sweet, nutty oak. Superripe, lush and fat; at once chewy and velvety, with superb depth of flavor. Sweet, sappy flavors of black cherry and licorice nicely firmed by underlying minerality. Finishes long and subtle, with substantial but fine tannins and excellent vinosity. A lovely expression of merlot and a great success for this tiny property.

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Two recent tastings of the 2000 La Gomerie both reinforced my comments of seven years ago. An interesting thing about this 100% Merlot is how well it ages. Perhaps it deserves more attention. Its dense purple color is followed by a beautiful perfume of spring flowers, creme de cassis, jammy black cherries, licorice, graphite, and espresso roast. Full-bodied, deep, superbly concentrated, pure, long, and made in a modern style, it should drink well for another decade.

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Super, well-crafted wine. This shows wonderful blackberry and mint aromas that follow through to a full-bodied palate, with soft and silky tannins and a long, fruity aftertaste.

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