I'm not a big Merlot drinker since they usually are a bit flabby and
oaky for my tastes but I found a couple bottles of 1999 Merryvale
Merlot Las Amigas Vineyard Carneros in the cellar and opened one last
night. Pronounced iodine smell on opening but it passed in a few
minutes leaving a nice pleasant briary berry nose. Medium weight on
the palate showing a juicy blackberry and cassis profile. A slight
green bean flavor on the finish with a fair amount of tannic
structure. "B"