Hestan Vineyards Merlot Napa Valley Stephanie 2007

Strong sassafras reminds of root beer at first whiff, followed by cinnamon and all spice, with presence of blackberry, black cherry, plum, grapefruit, leather, cream cheese, mocha, cedar, celery, clove, rosemary, and grass. Palate opens with pleasing acidity and velvety tannins supporting an intermingling of both red and dark fruit, including cherry and plum, with faint grapefruit and peppery zing. As the wine continues to open, cream and mocha emerge, along with American oak, damp earth and a hint of leather. An initial bitterness tames with the wine in the glass for 15 minutes. Medium, balanced and spicy finish. Becomes smoother for first two hours after uncorking. Closes down at 2 ½ hours.

Sassafras reminds of root beer at first whiff, followed by cinnamon and all spice, with presence of blackberry, black cherry, plum, grapefruit, leather, cream cheese, mocha, cedar, celery, clove, rosemary, and grass. The palate opens with pleasing acidity and velvety tannins supporting an intermingling of both red and dark fruit, including cherry and plum, with faint grapefruit and peppery zing. As the wine continues to open, cream and mocha emerge, along with American oak, damp earth and a hint of leather. An initial bitterness tames with the wine in the glass for 20 minutes. Medium, balanced and spicy finish. Becomes smoother for first two hours after uncorking. Closes down at about 2 ½ hours.