I really liked this actually. Full-on blueberry and other dark fruit. Recommended with lamb meatloaf or roast beef. Pretty close to a 90 point wine for me.

Deep ruby in colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose.

If you look beyond the musky nose, it’s not bad especially at the price point.

Positives: This wine features mild oak, plum, cherry, blackberry, mulberry, graphite, leather, oregano and mushrooms. Medium+ body with medium to medium+ tannins, good acidity and a fairly long length.

Negatives: There’s s musky smell that I wouldn’t associate with Merlot. Some heat generated from the 13.5% alcohol, which makes me supect that’s it’s actually higher.

Interesting Point: I like the new label on this wine.

Drink now or over the next 2 years on its own or pair it with Beef Wellington.

Tasted: 27 Oct 2013

Score: 8.5/10, Value: 8.5+/10 Total: 17+/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5

Fairly straight forward, expected style of west coast US Merlot. Satisfies for the fruity, oaky, easy drinking yet works with red meat Merlot stereotype. The nose is classic dark cherry, blueberry, vanilla, mocha delights. The palate tries to push full body, soft acid, soft tannin. A juicy, soft, medium finish. Drink over next 2 years. Tasted Dec 13'