This is a full-throttle style of Merlot, jammy to the point of pruneyness, the flavors broad and loaded with ripe cherries, prunes, smoke, spice, licorice and cedar. Big as the fruit flavors are, the wine is proportionate, the oak applied lightly, the alcohol in balance, and the acids crisp.——P.G.(8/1/2008)—— 90
