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Seven Sumptuous Merlots - Printable Version

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- Bucko - 01-18-2002

1999 Clos Du Val, Merlot, Napa Valley, California, $25. Blackberries and plums are apparent on the nose, with cedary spice nuances. Very stylish and well-balanced, this wine is all that you can ask from a Merlot. Lush without being overblown, layered complexity, crisp acids, and silky tannins combine for a lovely wine. 90/91.

1999 Hartwell, Merlot, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California, $60, 400 cases. Very impressive balance, with full black cherry fruit flavors, chocolate, vanilla, silky tannins and a long, elegant aftertaste. 91/87.

1998 Keenan, Merlot, Napa Valley, California, $27, 2,100 cases. Very approachable now, the dark fruit expresses a host of rich flavors. Black cherries, chocolate and coffee beans are highlighted by the brisk finish. 89/89.

1998 Keenan, Merlot, Reserve, Napa Valley, California, $42. Take their regular Merlot and stuff in another pound of intensity and you have the Reserve. Approachable now, this one will last for many years to come. 91/90.

1999 Luna, Merlot, Napa Valley, California, $32, 6,400 cases. You can almost spread the blackberry preserves across your olfactory senses with this dark ruby beauty. Very polished, with full flavors on the palate and satiny smooth tannins. Black fruit, chocolate, and vanilla linger on the complex, lengthy finish. 92/92.

1999 St. Clement, Merlot, Napa Valley, California, $28, 2,600 cases. A perennial winner, this dark ruby offering does not fail. Lovely black cherry, blueberry, licorice and allspice aromas precede the elegant, complex layers of fruit, French oak and spice flavors. The tannins are seamless. 90/90.

1999 Shafer, Merlot, Napa Valley, California, $38. Loaded with blackberry jam, the wine is intense with a long finish. Sweet vanilla oak flavors, minerals and supple tannins round out this dandy new release. 90/88.