2005 Rive Droite Merlot

Full medium ruby. Smoky, lower-toned aromas of black raspberry, mocha, earth and tobacco, lifted by a pungent minty quality and a whiff of resin. Here, too, the acidity is quite pronounced today, and with moderate mid-palate flesh and sweetness the current impression is a bit ungenerous. Finishes quite tight, with a slight sharpness to the acidity. These 2005s may well be in an awkward stage today, and my scores may come to look overly conservative, but in any event they should not be opened anytime soon.

The 2005 Merlot, which is now called Rive Droite (and this is the last one), is an 800-case blend with some Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc added. An elegant, dark ruby/purple-colored wine with a sweet nose of espresso roast, dark black cherries, licorice, underbrush, and truffle in an elegant, full-bodied, rich, concentrated style, this wine should drink nicely for 12-15+ years. They don’t sell it, but for those on the mailing list or visitors, do check out their brilliant 2006 Rose, made by bleeding some of their tanks. It is really one of the best roses I have ever tasted, and it’s a shame one can’t buy it. Previously recommended: 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Paradise Hills (95+), 2003 Merlot Paradise Hills Vineyard (96). (Release date Fall 2008) Tel. (707) 963-2001; Fax (707) 963-2012

Deep ruby-red. Deep aromas of currant, violet, smoke, minerals, mocha and licorice. Less dense and sweet than the 2004 but juicy and precise, with a terrific tight core of fruit. Juicy acidity and a note of eucalyptus are consistent with the wine's moderate alcohol and relatively low pH. This seriously structured merlot-based wine will be long-lived.