Newton’s Unfiltered Merlot has long been one of the iconic Merlot offerings in Napa Valley and the 2010, a blend of 78% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 4% Malbec, exhibits sweet coffee bean, spice box and earth notes, a dark ruby/plum color, broad, rich flavors, medium to full body and a heady finish. This young, vibrant, seriously endowed Merlot should age for 10-15 years. For more than two decades, this has been one of the benchmark, French-styled, full malolactic and unfiltered Chardonnays in Napa Valley. There have been many extraordinary vintages, some of which have aged far longer than anyone would have predicted. Tel. (707) 963-9000

The 2008 Merlot Unfiltered exhibits a dark plum/garnet color as well as a big, sweet bouquet of chocolate-covered coffee beans, berry fruit, smoke and earth. Round, seductive, juicy and easy-going, it possesses both character and elegance. Drink it over the next 7-10 years. Newton has a brilliant history of making very long-lived wines (their 1991s and 1992s are still showing well), although the current vintages seem slightly more developed and forward than those earlier years. Nonetheless, they are noteworthy efforts. They have always done an exceptional job with Merlot, largely because Newton was one of Napa Valley’s early clients of Bordeaux’s famed Michel Rolland. Tel. (707) 963-9000; Fax (707) 963-5408

Soft, slightly hot and peppery in alcohol, but very dry, this Merlot shows intense flavors of cherry marmalade, blackberry essence, dark chocolate and cedar. It’s a rich wine to drink with grilled steak. The tannins will balance out the meaty richness. ——S.H.(3/1/2011)—— 92