Merlot specialist James Irvine fashions this lavishly oaked effort from Eden Valley fruit. Aged 33 months in French oak, it offers up a seductive, toasty perfume displaying scents of ripe berry fruit, herbs, and coffee. Copious fruit as well as wood result in loads of toast and vanilla characteristics in this full-throttle, opulent, bigger than life Merlot. Consume it over the next 6-7 years.Importer: Benjamin Hammerschlag, Epicurean Wines, Seattle, WA; tel. (206) 923-1376