Cakebread Cellars, Napa Valley (California) Merlot 2008

 Those who might shy from shelling out $54 for a bottle of Merlot should feel free to steer clear of this wine, as that will leave more of it for those of us who are willing to taste without preconceptions.  The wine is explosively aromatic–and that is a clichéd descriptor that I virtually never employ.  It shows ultra-expressive scents and flavors of dark cherries and ripe black plums, with a backnote of red raspberries that lends a little acidic brightness to the richness of the fruit.  Oak is minimal but very nicely integrated, and there’s a subtle spice note offering additional complexity.  I find it difficult to believe that anyone could fail to enjoy this wine, so immediate and abundant are its charms.  Platinum award winner at the San Diego International Wine Competition.