Man is it sad Merlot and Rosewood have parted company – they sure did know how to handle that grape. The palate on this 2012 is lovely and smooth, silky even with plum, black cherry and smoke … there’s even a little cedar-cocoa mix that goes right to the finish and make you beg for another sip. Elegant, beautiful texture with fine tannin backing – what more could you want from a Merlot held in 45% new oak … except maybe more of it.  Price: $36.95 - Rating: ****+