The 2008 Merlot displays a purple center with a garnet rim. It sports a fragrant nose of cedar, spice box, tobacco, a hint of mocha/chocolate, and black currant. Medium to full-bodied on the palate with a forward personality, it has excellent volume, layers of fruit, good intensity, and enough stuffing to provide pleasure for another 4-5 years. It offers outstanding value.Latah Creek is one of Washington’s oldest wineries, having started in 1982.www.latahcreek.com