The biggest, most backward effort among the Merlot-based cuvees is the impressively endowed 2001 Merlot Bancroft Ranch. It boasts a dark ruby/purple color in addition to a fragrant bouquet of earth, chocolate, black cherries, blackberries, and coffee. Give it another 1-3 years of bottle age and consume it over the following 10-15 years. Tel. (707) 963-7115; Fax (707) 963-1735