This Merlot has a long life ahead of it due to those robust, chalky tannins … but I’m getting ahead of myself here. The grapes for this wine are harvested off the Redstone property (formerly Thomas & Vaughan) so they have some age on them. Nose is blueberry and smoky with whiffs of chocolate covered strawberries. Palate is where things get wild: dark fruit dominated with smoky and toasty notes backing it all up and then there are those blue and black fruited gritty tannins that take up the rear … you’ll also find the finish to linger a long time. Price: $39.95 – Rating: ****+