The 2008 Merlot Unfiltered exhibits a dark plum/garnet color as well as a big, sweet bouquet of chocolate-covered coffee beans, berry fruit, smoke and earth. Round, seductive, juicy and easy-going, it possesses both character and elegance. Drink it over the next 7-10 years. Newton has a brilliant history of making very long-lived wines (their 1991s and 1992s are still showing well), although the current vintages seem slightly more developed and forward than those earlier years. Nonetheless, they are noteworthy efforts. They have always done an exceptional job with Merlot, largely because Newton was one of Napa Valley’s early clients of Bordeaux’s famed Michel Rolland. Tel. (707) 963-9000; Fax (707) 963-5408