84 Bridlewood 1999 Merlot (Central Coast); $22. Not a complete success due to notable vegetal notes suggesting those notorious South Coast asparagus. The acids and tannins are fine and so is the color. Most of the grapes came from Monterey, where the trick with Bordeaux varietals always is getting them ripe.——S.H.(8/1/2003)—— 84

Shows a lot of barrel-char on the nose, which is reflected in the wine’s espresso and sun-dried-tomato aromas. On the palate, the supple black-cherry fruit comes on strong, blending with the oak to create a rich, easy-to-drink whole.——W.E.(7/1/2000)—— 88