A decent but ultimately indifferent Merlot. Dry and ruggedly tannic, it shows tobacco and earthy flavors dominating the cherry and blackberry fruit. Doesn’t seem like an ager, so drink up after a good decant.——S.H.(3/1/2012)—— 86

A dry, smooth Merlot that hews to the Clos du Val style of lean fruit. The cherry, mocha and cedar flavors have an edge of dried herbs and tobacco. Drink this elegant wine now and through 2014. ——S.H.(6/1/2011)—— 90

A very pretty Merlot, and a good price for the elegant quality. It’s dry and tannic, showing the Clos du Val style of controlled, somewhat aloof ripeness. There’s a rich, attractive core of black cherry fruit. Will develop for a few years, but it’s really best now, with a brief decant.——S.H.(9/1/2010)—— 90