Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2009 Cabernet Merlot gives pronounced cassis, blackberry and mulberry notes over pencil lead, Provence herbs and black olives. Full bodied with plenty of clean, expressive fruit, it has a medium to firm level of grainy tannins, crisp acid and a long blackberry laced finish. Drinking now, it should cellar to 2016. Importer: Negociants USA, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-0993.

Broad and generous, with good density to the cherry and red berry fruit, shaded with leafy, minerally notes, opening out on the finish. Drink now through 2017. 230 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / Western Australia / Margaret River Select to Add