The color is immediately striking with a dark garnet red hue. The wine has black cherry, ripe cranberry and raspberry pie fruit aromas mixed with graphite pencil shavings and black tea. The flavors are delicious, fruit forward cherries and cranberries coupled with baker’s chocolate and vanilla from the oak presence. Overall, a riper style, richer style of Merlot than in the past with enough tannin to frame in the generous fruit flavors. This Merlot will work with an abundance of fare, including pork dishes, tomato-based sauces and grilled meats.