A dusty, well-integrated Merlot from one of Wente’s estate properties, with plum, licorice and vanilla most prominent on the palate and a touch of Italian spice, given the little bit of Barbera and Sangiovese (also Petit Verdot) mixed in.——V.B.(5/1/2011)—— 87

Direct and thin, this Merlot has simple currant, cocoa, licorice and oakspice flavors that finish totally dry.——S.H.(12/31/2008)—— 83

This Merlot seems a bit lean, with herbal notes on the nose that give the wine’s chocolaty richness a hint of carob instead. Dark cherries and vanilla pick up on that herbal note in the mouth, with the vanilla intensifying on the finish. Drink now.——W.E.(8/1/2008)—— 85

A luscious wine brimming with black-cherry, chocolate, plum, licorice and smoky oak aromas. Wonderfully rich and lush in the mouth, it also has lots of berry fruit flavors in a dry, harmonious package. ——S.H.(11/15/2001)—— 91