More substantial than many California Merlots, this example is satisfyingly rich and impressively structured. It has soft but clearly present tannins, and while its dark cherry fruit flavors do seem somewhat sweet, the wine never becomes candied. Well-crafted, it serves as a reminder that Merlot need not play second fiddle to any other grape or grapes.
Ghost Pines, Sonoma County/Napa County (California) Merlot 2008
By Paul Lukacs