Livermore Valley

A delicious, easy drinking value in California Merlot.  This is a blend of 76% Merlot, 12% Petit Verdot, 10% Malbec, 2% Petite Sirah.  Deep garnet in color, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose has cherries, menthol, and baking spices.  With air, some black cherries emerge.  Full bodied with a velvety texture.  Medium to firm tannins.  On the palate, black cherry fruit with a bit of milk chocolate.  Long, tannic finish.  This should drink well for the next five to seven years.  It drinks well on its own, and would work great with a (veggie) burger.  

This is a great value in an easy to drink white that has some personality.  Very pale in color, light gold, clear and bright.  The nose is clean with a bit of mango, slight grassy note and slight citrus.  A lovely almost velvety texture.  Light tannins.  Dry.  Semi crisp on the palate.  Tropical fruit notes with a slight herbal note on the back end.  This improved over two days.