The 2018 Merlot Stillwater Creek Vineyard opens to aromas of ripe plum, sweet oak and hints of sage with dark chocolate and mocha tones. Medium to full-bodied, the wine has fine-grained tannins and a juicy, lush mid-palate that turns firm over the food-friendly finish. It's punching above its weight class and over-delivers for the price.

The 2017 Merlot Stillwater Creek Vineyard has nuanced aromas of dusty coconut macaroons on the nose along with a plummy essence and notions of black cherry. Medium-bodied on the palate, the tannins set in first, with a firm grip across the gumline before showing flavors of spiced plum reduction and dried sage. Elements of bitter dark chocolate and black tea linger on the drying finish. The wine aged for 21 months in oak barrels, 85% French and 15% American. 2,300 bottles produced.

The 2016 Merlot Stillwater Creek Vineyard opens to generous aromas of oak and smoky bacon fat with plummy nuances and black pepper essence on the nose. Medium-bodied, the palate is clean and correct with a fresh and fruit-forward expression that is pleasurable, and it ends with flavors of tart cherry and maple tones on the structured, lingering finish. 551 cases produced.

The 2015 Merlot Stillwater Creek Vineyard is chewy, tannic and compact, with rather forgettable aromas of berry fruit and toast.

A big, rich, downright sexy effort from Mike, the 2013 Merlot Stillwater Creek Vineyard is a high-quality fruit bomb that offers tons of chocolaty fruits, plum, espresso and spice in a balanced, deliciously quaffable style. Drink it over the coming 5-6 years.