Shafer Napa Valley Merlot 2005

Blend: 86% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc

This Merlot comes with big scoops of red and black fruit aromas and flavors, fresh plums, sweet black cherries, currants, red licorice, a little pepper, and pleasing doses of fragrant earth, smoke, and minerality.

"Crisp acidity as well as an elegant bouquet of berry fruit, menthol, sweet cherries, and spice. The tremendous aromatics are followed by abundant fruit. The 2005 should drink well for a decade."
Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate
Barrel Sample: 88-90 Points