Sweet spice, cocoa and a faint hint of graham crackers overlie a modest measure of ripe cherries in both the medium-deep nose and flavors of this mid-sized Merlot. While the wine has a good sense of solidity about it, it tapers and toughens in the latter-going and winds up a touch tannic, truncated and looking for more fruit. Bottle age might be a useful prescription for those who would wish to set some aside.

"Rombauer Vineyards' 2002 Napa Valley Merlot is deliciously rich and concentrated. It has layers of black cherry, plum, clove, and cinnamon in both the aroma and flavor. The wine has a long finish of cherry and plum with a light vanilla note from oak aging. Supple tannins add to the wine's character. Drink now through 2009." -Winery