The 2008 Pinot Noir Merriman Vineyard was aged in 40% new oak. Dark ruby colored, it delivers an aromatic array of toast, coffee bean, spice box, black cherry, and plum. On the palate it reveals ample savory fruit, plenty of spice, and decent balance but, like its siblings, it is in need of greater depth and concentration, something that was not difficult to achieve in the great 2008 vintage. www.owenroe.com