Slowly ... Quietly ... Pondview is starting to make a name for themselves as a winery making good wines at very good prices. Here's another example of this, a Merlot aged 1 year in 100% new American (60%) and French (40%) oak for only $19.00 ... of course it means nothing if it ain't worth the price, but it's delicious too. The nose is dark fruited and spiced with vanilla notes. The palate doesn't over deliver but nor does it pull back from your tastebuds. The tannins are forward and the flavour profile is loaded with a dark cherry and spice flavour. It's currently a little rough around the edges so give it a couple of years and it should shape up quite nicely and be ready for sipping, say around 2013. Price: $19.00 - Rating: *** 1/2+