Here's a California Merlot worth its salt. It's tight and firm with a narrow band of spicy currant plum and tobacco flavors that slowly fan out on the finish revealing more depth and complexity. Give it a few more months in the bottle. Drink now through 2004. 4485 cases made. –JL

When asked about comparing the 1994 1995 and 1996 Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon vintages Dick Arrowood felt that 1994 produced the richest most opulent wines with the roundest tannin. He went on to say that 1995 was slightly more forward with attractive aromatics but the wines possessed more jagged edges and aggressive tannin yet impressive extract in addition to a firmer character. As for the 1996s Arrowood did not feel they were as fleshy and round as the 1994s but they were relatively supple and usually possessed excellent aromatics and density. In essence they are firmer but not as tough as some 1995s. As the following tasting notes attest all of the reds from Arrowood were exceptionally successful.The 1995 Merlot seems slightly more backward than the 1996 exhibiting some of the tannic muscle Dick Arrowood ascribes to this vintage. The wine possesses an opaque purple color a tight but interesting nose of black cherries and currants intermixed with coffee and smoky notes. Sweet juicy intensely ripe fruit hits the palate yet the wine's tannin gives it definition and a more backward personality than the 1996. While this Merlot can be drunk early it will be better following 1-2 years of cellaring. It should keep for 12-15 years.Release date 7/98Tel. (707) 938-5170; Fax (707) 938-5195