(JD 91-93 points) Made from 96% Merlot and 4% Malbec that’s aging in mostly French oak (there 12% American oak), the 2016 Merlot offers up a forward, sexy, spice-filled style that’s going to drink nicely right out of the gate. Black cherries, red and black currants, toasted spice, vanilla bean and a touch of oak all give way to a medium to full-bodied, layered, ripe, balanced 2016 to drink over the coming 10-15 years.

Containing a 4% splash of Malbec, the deep purple-black colored 2016 Merlot opens with notions of chocolate-covered cherries, plum preserves, spice cake and black pepper with hints of garrigue and wild sage. Full-bodied and boldly fruited in the mouth, the juicy black fruit is well framed by rounded tannins and oodles of freshness, finishing long and spicy. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown