Raymond Reserve Selection Merlot 2008

The wine opens with fragrant aromas of Lady Grey tea, blackberry pie crust and kalamata olive with hints of blood orange, wet stone and lavender. On the palate, this wine is soft and round with silky tannins and flavors of concentrated black cherry, anise and cedar leading to a long finish. A versatile wine, it can be paired with a variety of foods, including lamb chops, marinated pork tenderloin and smoked salmon with wild rice pilaf. Delicious at an early age, this wine will benefit from additional cellaring of 5-7 years past the vintage date.

Blend: 86% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petite Sirah