Big, with a lot of stuffing, have with game meat, grilled lamb, strongly flavored meats.

This 100% 1999 Merlot 'Reserve' was aged in new French oak and new American oak barrels for 18 months. Its fragrance is of leather and tobacco and it has flavors of cherries, black licorice and spice. This Merlot has strong tannins with a long finish.

HARVEST INFO: The grapes for the 1999 Merlot "Reserve" were thinned to produce 2.6 tons per acre. This resulted in grapes with intense color and flavor. Cooler than normal temperatures in late spring and early summer slowed the ripening and delayed harvest by one week. But, the thinner crop and cool nights in late September helped preserve the acids, resulting in an excellent sugar and acid balance.

FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS: Red meats, rack of lamb - this spicy Merlot will hold up to herbed meats (rosemary).