This fine Merlot delivers more complexity than expected for the price. Mild suave tannins enrobe ripe sweet black cherry-like fruit. But there is a touch of that leafy, attractively funky aspect that characterizes Merlot. This easy to drink Merlot is not a cerebral wine, but it is perfectly satisfying and very nicely priced.
Toad Hollow, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Merlot 2009
By Michael Apstein