A deep and highly structured Napa merlot that has a lot more to give than the majority of wines in this category. The very ripe cherry and red-plum aromas are neatly wrapped around the full, fine tannins and the delicate spicy notes add a lot of appeal. Drink or hold.

Made up of 97% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Malbec aged for 21 months in 24% new oak (88% French and 12% Hungarian) the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Merlot opens with bags of plums, baked cherries and mulberries-inspired scents with touches of incense, Chinese five spice and dusty soil. Full-bodied with a chewy frame and compelling freshness, it finishes on an earthy note. 9,510 cases produced.- LPB

Thick and herbal, this wine has an earthy entry of tight-grained tannin and black olive. Blended with tiny amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, it was barrel-aged for nearly two years in French and Hungarian oak and is robustly ripe and concentrated in lush red fruit. VIRGINIE BOONE