The 2018 Merlot is a solid Merlot as well as a good value. Plenty of chocolaty red and black fruits, smoked herbs, graphite, and spice notes define the bouquet, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a plush, up-front texture and a good finish. Enjoy bottles over the coming 5-7 years.

Composed of 79% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2018 Merlot Napa Valley has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and open-for-business scents of baked plums, stewed blackberries and boysenberries plus hints of Indian spices, Sichuan pepper and wild sage. The medium-bodied palate has a plush texture and plenty of ripe, black fruit flavors, delivering a deliciously savory finish.