1998 Merlot

I have been a longtime fan of the Merlot made by proprietor Jim Richards. While some may quibble over the elevated level of toasty new oak, the wine possesses the chocolate, black cherry, and currant fruit required to back up the wood. It is also full-bodied, ripe, long, and exotic. The oak is nearly excessive, but I feel it will become better integrated with the wine's other characteristics within a year or so. Drink it over the following 7-8 years. Tel. (707) 963-7504