A classic, age-worthy Merlot from this estate, the 2012 Walla Walla Merlot, which spent 17 months in 38% new French oak, offers superb aromatics of chocolate-covered cherries, hints of leafy herbs, leather and licorice. These all flow to a medium to full-bodied, layered and polished Merlot that has a great mid-palate and enough tannic grip to keep it drinking nicely over the coming decade or more.