Gainey Merlot 2006

The nose opens with toasty black plum and black cherry aromas, which with airing, reveal complex mocha, cedar, black olive, tobacco and mints scents. On the rounded, richly textured palate, the wine's mouth-filling plum, black cherry, cassis and roasted coffee flavors are streaked through with a vein of zesty herbal spice. Superbly balanced with supple tannins, this expressive, cool-climate Merlot will provide plenty of pleasure when paired with grilled or rotisserie chicken, pork tenderloin, simply prepared beef dishes, mildly sauced pastas and flavorful hard cheese. Enjoy it over the next two to three years.