2010 Switchback Ridge Merlot Peterson Family Vineyard

Good dark red. Aromas of redcurrant, licorice and pencil lead smell quite dry. Then creamy in the middle, with a fine-grained texture and sappy freshness to the flavors of currant, mocha, tobacco and earth. Finishes with substantial tongue-dusting tannins and an exotic chocolate quality. I find this better-balanced than the 2009 version.