2004 Merus Cabernet Sauvignon

This boutique blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec is a broodingly backward, formidably endowed, full throttle, pedal-to-the-metal style of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2004’s 15.5% alcohol is well-concealed by the wine’s wealth of fruit and glycerin. This full-bodied beauty is black as a moonless night. It exhibits abundant notes of plums, blackberries and creme de cassis as well as nicely integrated wood, acidity and tannin. It will offer an impeccable well-made, stunningly rich, complex, two-fisted glass of Cabernet Sauvignon over the next 15+ years. Tel. (707) 251-5551

(includes 3% malbec and 2% petit verdot) Bright, full medium ruby. Sexy, fruit-driven aromas of black raspberry, crushed blackberry and minerals. Lush, broad and sweet, without being at all overdone. Intensely flavored and vibrant, this fruit bomb shows an enticing sugar/acid balance. Finishes quite broad, with fine-grained tannins. A few years of bottle aging should bring additional complexity.

(includes 3% petit verdot and 2% malbec) Good full ruby-red. Very dark aromas of cassis, black cherry, bitter chocolate and graphite. Silky and suave, but given shape and lift by lively acidity. This shows more thrust today than the 2003, and finishes with tongue-dusting tannins and excellent grip. This will ultimately rate a score at the high end of my projected range if the final months of elevage bring more length. This one weighs in at 15.5% alcohol, vs. 15.6% for the 2003.