The 1996 Merlot (a blend of 76% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc) exhibits a deep plum color, followed by knock-out aromatics of roasted coffee, chocolate, and berry/cherry liqueur. Rich, smoky, exotic, and hedonistic, it should drink well for a decade.Stonestreet's Merlot program is hugely successful. About 20,000 cases of this in-your-face, extroverted, chocolatey, oaky wine are produced.Tel. (707) 433-9463; Fax (707) 433-9469