90 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$30 list] Soft, juicy and sweet in fruity essence, this polished Merlot brims with flavors of cherries, red currants, licorice, toffee and Asian spices. It's a full-bodied red wine to drink now with a nice steak. (Jun 2009)"

Producer notes: "Merlot (81%), Syrah (9%), Cabernet Sauvignon (8%), Petit Verdot (2%). Our Merlot, deep garnet in color, has rich black cherry fruit aromas, with hints of eucalyptus and oak. The addition of Petit Verdot and Clone 6 Cabernet Sauvignon adds structure to the wine, giving a Cabernet-like mouthfeel, while the Syrah adds sweet fruit to the finish. Soft tannins balance well with good fruit acidity and concentrated fruit flavors to yield a wine that will develop well with several years of aging. A rich, concentrated, full-bodied Merlot with a lingering finish and supple mouthfeel. 20 months in oak, 25% new barrels, 72% French, 28% American. 1,215 cases produced."