Cuvaison has a good track record with their Carneros Merlot, and the ’06 is a pleasant wine to drink now. It shows a balance of lush, cedar-accented currant, chocolate, anise and violet flavors with greener notes of mint and sage.——S.H.(8/1/2009)—— 87

Rich and dry, with a wealth of blackberry and cherry tart flavors, straight from the oven with the smoky-sweet, cinnamon and burnt butter tang of the crust. You’ll notice the tannins, which lend a stimulating structure. This isn’t one of those blockbuster cult Merlots, just a red wine of impeccable proportions that yearns to wash down elegant fare.——S.H.(9/1/2007)—— 91

Fruity, with pleasant berry-cherry flavors and a dry edge of tobacco and sage. Doesn’t have much stuffing in the middle, and powerful tannins make it a bit ponderous. Drink now.——S.H.(12/15/2003)—— 86