The 1993 Merlot displays plenty of toasty, vanillin-scented new oak, ripe, concentrated berry fruit, medium to full body, an intriguing, nicely textured, expansive palate, and a round, generous finish. It is a delicious, succulent Merlot with enough structure to carry it over the next 7-8 years, perhaps longer. As a postscript, after tasting the 1993 Merlot, I mistakenly left it open for a week. After discovering the opened bottle, I decided to taste it again, and astonishingly, the wine was still remarkably rich without any trace of oxidation - amazing! I hope I have not under-estimated this wine. Bravo to Jayson Pahlmeyer for once again turning out distinctive, complex wines of thrilling quality. Tel. (707) 255-2321; Fax (707) 255-6786