Merlot is, by nature, ripe and fruity, so when you add 15% Syrah, the fruitiness factor goes up. The concern is that the wine gets too lush, so 5% Cabernet Sauvignon gives the wine just the right edge. This 2009 Merlot has a medium-deep ruby color, boysenberry and ripe cherry nose, good texture and fruit, firm tannins, 14.2% alcohol and subtle oak tones. Give this Merlot another year or two to develop more complexity and character.
