The 2011 Merlot Napa is a blend of 82.2% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc aged 14 months in 25% new oak. A solid, competent effort for the vintage, it offers up notes of herbs, white chocolate, espresso, clove and sweet cherries. Medium-bodied and somewhat short, it needs to be drunk over the next 4-6 years. Now owned by Kendall-Jackson, but with long-time winemaker Ted Edwards still firmly in control, Freemark Abbey has produced a large assortment of wines ranging from very good to exceptional. Tel. (707) 302-3721