87 2009 Afton Mountain Merlot Vintner's Reserve (Monticello) 11/10/12 $35
100% Merlot 13.5%alc
Color: Deep black cherry garnet. (3.0) Bouquet: Black raspberry and cherry fruit with baking spices and herbal nuances. (3.0) Body: Very good fruit and acidity, well balanced. Some smooth tannins coat the mouth. Middleweight. (2.5) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but not as distinctive. (2.5) Finish: Parallels flavor with some spice and white pepper lingering. (2.5)
Overall: This was more attractive when first released. The fruit is not as forward now, but its interesting characteristics of baking spices, white pepper and herbal nuances are still there, surrounding a well balanced, elegant wine. Drinks a lot like a red Loire minus the French terroir. With a little luck, this could improve in the next 2-4 years, if the fruit lasts. Decant an hour or so for now drinking to let it open up. (13.5)
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