wineries .

M E R L O T 97 HOOK & LADDER 2008 Merlot Estate Bottled - Russian River Valley $24 97 THOMAS HENRY 2010 Merlot California $18 Beautiful nose of blackberry, cherry, raspberry, and a little strawberry and plum, with just enough vanilla and oak. Made like a merlot (and not a cabernet), this is a wonderfully smooth, elegant wine that’s well-balanced and leaves you wanting more on the long, round, lingering finish. 96 BRUTOCAO 2009 Merlot Bliss Vineyard - Mendocino $20 Pretty plum, black cherry, raspberry, strawberry and hints of currant mingle with dark coffee/black tea, light earth notes, vanilla and oak. This well-balanced wine has wonderful mouthfeel, good fruit and secondary character, and ends in a nice long, lingering, spicy finish. 96 FREI BROTHERS 2010 Merlot Reserve - Dry Creek Valley $20 96 IRONSTONE 2011 Merlot California $12 Fresh plum, cherry, strawberry and raspberry aromas in a light mineral dust, violets and floral spices. Straightforward on the palate, fresh, fruit-driven flavors with hints of oak and caramel, leading to a beautiful round tannin finish. For $12/bottle, buy by the case! 96 RED ROCK 2010 Merlot Reserve - California $12 96 STEPHEN VINCENT 2010 Merlot California $14 95 GHOST PINES 2010 Merlot Winemaker's Blend - Sonona/Napa Counties $20 95 HACIENDA 2010 Merlot California $9 95 PEDRONCELLI 2010 Merlot Bench Vineyards - Dry Creek Valley $15 95 THE WINERY SF 2010 Merlot North Coast $25 Nice deep plum, black cherry, raspberry, strawberry and hints of currant, with light earth notes, spice, vanilla and oak. This is a well-balanced wine, with good mouthfeel, spicy fruit and a nice long, slightly sticky finish. 94 BOGLE 2010 Merlot California $10 93 BLISS FAMILY VINEYARDS 2009 Merlot Mendocino $12 Nice plum, black cherry, raspberry, strawberry and hints of currant, with dark coffee/black tea, light earth notes, vanilla and oak. This is a well-balanced wine, with good mouthfeel, spicy fruit and a nice long, slightly sticky finish. 90 BLISS FAMILY VINEYARDS 2010 Merlot Mendocino $12 Slightly dusty fruit aromas of cherry, raspberry, blackberry and plum, with a decent backbone of oak. Straightforward on the palate, well-balanced, and a nice mouthfeel leading to a round-tannin finish. 90 HOOK & LADDER 2009 Merlot Estate Bottled - Russian River Valley $24