This is a big boy that’s all about the dark fruit. It’s quite firm at present, but nothing that a long decant won’t fix if you can’t wait to age it for a few years. Blackberry, currants, well integrated oak spice and a big grip that extends the finish. This is going to turn handsome – meaning that the spice will blossom as the tannins fade, but the big boy will still be around.
Keenan, Napa Valley (California) Merlot 2012
By Rich Cook