The 1996 Merlot (80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc) is made in a Bordeaux-like style. The nose offers up aromas of coffee and berry-tinged fruit intermixed with herbaceous, spicy oak. The wine possesses excellent texture, medium body, and an intriguing black tea flavor in the fruit character. A sexy Merlot made in Ric Forman's tell-tale polished, refined, and graceful manner, it should drink well for 10-15 years.Tel. (707) 963-0234; Fax (707) 963-5384.