A ripe, fruit-forward merlot that shows some nice restraint and structure. Bouquet of jammy black fruit, roasted bell peppers, mocha, vanilla, sweet baking spices, smoke, and pencil shavings. Lots of dark cherry upfront on the palate, then more roasted bell pepper, mocha, and warming baking spice. Round and juicy. Medium-full bodied. Medium acidity and medium-high, slightly gritty tannins. This wine would probably be better integrated in a year or so.