This wine's exceptional character comes from choice Central Coast grapes, primarily from Monterey County, a region that provides the temperate climate, cool breezes and moist alluvial soils that Merlot loves. The Merlot was blended with 16% Syrah which added color and richness, and enhanced the wine's pure fruit flavors with just a hint of oak for roundness and complexity. The 2005 vintage displays classic Merlot attributes: bright ripe black cherry and plum aromas with subtle notes of spice and...