Veraison: Cherry-black hue; Complex aromas of ripe cherries, black spices, fresh figs, ground vanilla bean, rosewater, dried herbs and sweet pipe tobacco The palate presents an overwhelming abundance of flavors including creme de cassis, dried cranberries, black berries, cherry kirsch, and lightly infused truffle oil. This is a dense and brooding Merlot that displays a fine and persistent finish with a hint of tarriness. Best served with roasted leg of lamb, veal ragout and venison sausages. Enjoy now through 2018.

Wine Enthusiast: There aren’t many Merlots coming off Atlas Peak, but there should be, to judge by this rich, dense, complex wine. It’s enormously packed in black cherry, red currant, blueberry, milk chocolate and spicy licorice flavors that go on and on into the finish. Fortunately, the structure is great, providing a firm architecture of tannins and acids.

Score: 91. —Steve Heimoff, December 15, 2007