Lean years make for lean wines, and this Cabernet-Merlot surprised me not only in its drinkability factor but in its potential for the future. Nose of cranberry, sour cherry along with hints of strawberry which hides in the background. Palate is soft and easy drinking with cedary-spicy notes, then there’s the strawberry-white pepper on the finish. Price: $28.95 – Rating: *** ½+