($65) Good deep, bright ruby. Cassis, blackberry, violet and bitter chocolate on the nose, along with a light cedary quality. Suave on entry, then lush and smooth in the middle if a bit reduced, hinting at blackberry and chocolate. Offers very good stuffing, breadth and precision, and finishes with sneaky, spicy, dark berry persistence and firm tannic backbone. A bit unyielding today but not hard.

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The 2005 Merlot contains 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Petit Verdot. It spent 14 months in French and American oak and was bottled unfiltered. Purple-colored, it has a splendid bouquet of pain grille, spice box, cassis, and black currants. This is followed by a plush wine with layered flavors, superb balance, and terrific length. This outstanding Merlot can be enjoyed now but merits 4-6 years of further cellaring. It should provide pleasure through 2030.

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Smooth and supple, with gorgeous blueberry and raspberry fruit at the center, shaded with hints of mocha and cedar as the finish lingers enticingly. 2,900 cases made.

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