(with 9% cabernet sauvignon, 2.5% petit verdot and 0.5%cabernet franc): Good bright medium-deep red. Sexy, expressive aromas of red currant, red plum, chocolate and nutty oak. Sweet and pliant in the mouth, with enticing flavors of red berries, cocoa powder and spices. Finishes with a fine dusting of tannins and lovely lingering perfume. According to winemaker Sally Jackson, the merlot in 2009 had less weight and structure than usual, but this wine is a charmer.

Medium-dark ruby color; attractive, intense, plummy, sweet blackberry fruit aroma with notes of dried herbs, green olive, and vanilla; full body; rich, refined, spicy, ripe dark fruit flavors; well balanced and structured; medium-full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Enjoyable to taste now though deserving several more years of bottle aging. Very highly recommend