2007 Ventisquero Queulat Merlot Gran Reserva (Chile)
“Deep ruby. Dark cherry and raspberry aromas are complicated by mint and dark chocolate, with a hint of spicecake coming up with air. Juicy, fresh cherry and red berry flavors are sweetened by a sexy oak note and show no rough edges. Pretty alluring merlot with good finishing lift and sappy length. This is the style that made merlot popular a generation ago.” Rated 89 International Wine Cellar
2008 Columbia Crest Merlot Horse Heaven Hills H3 Columbia Valley (Washington State)
“Ripe, supple and seductive, delivering a plush mouthful of red berry, floral and pomegranate flavors, swirling effectively through the deftly balanced finish.” Rated 90 The Wine Spectator
2006 Luna Merlot Napa (California)
“Bright red-ruby. Aromas of blackberry, graphite and game, plus a smoky, flinty note winemaker Drash describes as “Black Cat firecracker.” Juicy and mineral-driven, offering an enticing combination of density and clarity. This very sexy wine should give early pleasure but also age well.” Rated 92 International Wine Cellar
2006 Milbrandt Merlot The Estates Wahluke Slope (Washington State)
“The 2006 Merlot The Estates is a substantial wine with an excellent bouquet of toast, cinnamon, allspice, violets, cassis, and black cherry. Ripe and round on the palate, it has ample savory, layered fruit, plenty of spice, and excellent balance. It will evolve for 1-2 years and drink well through 2018.” Rated 90 points The Wine Advocate
2006 Chateau Joanin Becot Cotes de Castillon (Bordeaux, France)
“One of the stars of the vintage for this appellation, this property, owned by Juliette Becot, produces a blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, and looked after by Michel Rolland’s right-hand man in Bordeaux, Jean-Philippe Forte, this stunning 2006 exhibits sweet blackberry, black currant, smoky, toasty oak, espresso roast, and chocolate aromas and flavors. Full-bodied with precise minerality, and good focus, purity, texture, and depth, this superb sleeper of the vintage should be consumed over the next decade. Good value.” Rated 90 Wine Spectator
2008 Fidelitas Merlot Columbia Valley (Washington State)
“Airy, focused and refined, this delivers a mouthful of currant, smoke, spice and dark chocolate flavors, lingering impressively against nubby tannins. Drink now through 2015.” Rated 91 Wine Spectator