Franciscan Merlot Napa 2006

Harvested and crafted with care in Napa Valley's Rutherford area, this is as good an argument for drinking Merlot as any we've encountered. Like a classic Bordeaux, this is perfectly ageworthy, but right now it's showing lovely ripe blackberry and cherry flavors, great balance, and a clean finish.

Supple and well-balanced, with roasted coffee, mustard seed, cedar and baked cherry flavors, finishing with touches of herb and anise. Drink now through 2005.

Rich blackberries, currants and chocolate with sweet vanilla nuances that highlight the ripe, succulent fruit.

Merlot continues to gain in popularity due to its rich, complex black cherry and plum character with velvety-smooth feel. This wine has been aged in small oak barrels to add further complexity and richness.

A curious and complex style that stretches the band of flavors, with a range that goes from ripe cherry and currant to herb and bell pepper. Well-integrated tannins make it appealing now; best from 1999 through 2004.

Distinguished flavors of black currant, chocolate and plum and fine tannins. Oak adds smoke, spice and vanilla. Therersquo;s a sweet, fat and lush texture that epitomizes Merlotrsquo;s appeal.

An exuberantly fruity, smoky, oaky nose leads to a soft, straightforward, plump, chewy wine that is ideal for drinking over the next 5ndash;6 years.