Ruby-red. High-toned aromas of plum, redcurrant and cedar lifted by a floral top note. Spicy and firmly built but also with a rather voluptuous mid-palate texture and lovely sweetness to its plum and licorice flavors. Finishes with firm tannins and very good length. I like the note of spicy cabernet on the back end.

The 2008 Merlot (72% Sonoma fruit and 28% Napa) reveals abundant aromas of black cherry and mocha-infused fruit intermixed with hints of white chocolate, roasted herbs and coffee. It is a sexy, full-throttle, heady Merlot to drink over the next 7-8 years.