Merlot

The first nose of this wine intriguingly brings to mind Nucul de Aur, the walnut balsam from Moldova. As the bouquet unfolds, it reveals a complex array of grilled meat, dried fruits, coffee, cherry brownie, toffee, and tobacco.

In contrast to a Cabernet Sauvignon, this Merlot is less thick and concentrated, and it appears more developed. The long aftertaste is complemented by well-balanced tannins and acidity. Nuanced, complex and delicious.

This was the deserved crescendo of the evening. Paired with a burger, the 2007 Merlot melted my heart (it's not made of cheese, mind you).

Lovely Merlot at a great age. A developed and charming bouquet of chocolate, coffee, ripe fruits, jam, white pepper, sweet Jerez and earth. Round, almost perfectly balanced, well-structured and juicy (boy, the acidity is still there).

Perfect age. Lots of tertiary notes without anything filthy. Just some relative funkiness. Almost perfectly balanced and well-structured. A charming bouquet of chocolate, coffee, VA, ripe red fruits, white pepper, Pedro Jimenez, and earth. Generous and multilayered.