The 2001 Napa Valley Merlot features the good deep, plummy fruit of southern Napa Valley and Carneros and a heightened aromatic spice from its 5% Cabernet Franc. On the palate, the wine has a bright, lively entry followed by a fleshy mid-palate, where the engaging, powdery texture leads to the softly-framing tannins. The wine persists as well as any Napa Valley Merlot in memory. Win this lot and find out for yourself.